Wolfenbüttel Hospital Takes Over Emergency Services After Leadership Shift

Wolfenbüttel Municipal Hospital has taken over emergency services responsibilities since January. The change follows a leadership transition in the district's emergency medical team. After 25 years, Dr. Ulrich Heida has stepped down as Medical Director of Emergency Services (ÄLRD), with Dr. Helge Trauden now filling the role.

Dr. Ulrich Heida led the district's emergency services from 2001 until the start of this year. His career at Wolfenbüttel Municipal Hospital began in 1990, where he also served as Medical Director of the air rescue base from 1995 to 2019. A trained anesthesiologist and emergency paramedic, he brought direct field experience to his leadership.

During his tenure, Heida focused on expanding emergency care infrastructure. He pushed for the preservation and growth of rescue stations while improving mass-casualty response plans. His efforts extended to the COVID-19 pandemic, when he oversaw the district's vaccination centre. Between January 2021 and the end of 2022, the centre administered over 136,000 vaccine doses. Dr. Helge Trauden, an anesthesiology specialist, has now taken charge. Since 2007, he has worked as an emergency physician on rescue missions and supported Heida as a senior physician since 2018. The role of Medical Director of Emergency Services includes medical oversight, strategic planning, and training non-physician emergency personnel. The district also manages agreements with the German Red Cross (DRK) in Wolfenbüttel and Salzgitter for emergency coverage.

The transition marks the end of Heida's long-standing leadership in emergency services. Trauden's appointment continues the district's focus on maintaining and improving emergency medical care. Wolfenbüttel Municipal Hospital now holds responsibility for coordinating these services across the region.