Wolfenbüttel bids farewell to Dr. Ulrich Heida after 25 years of lifesaving leadership

Dr. Ulrich Heida has retired after 25 years as Medical Director of Emergency Services in Wolfenbüttel. His career was marked by a deep commitment to public health, spanning emergency medicine, air rescue, and pandemic response. The Wolfenbüttel Municipal Hospital has now taken over his responsibilities, appointing a new leader for the role.

Heida began his service in 1995, first leading the air rescue site until 2019. From 2001 to 2025, he served as Medical Director of Emergency Services, shaping the region's response to crises. His work included developing improved protocols for mass-casualty incidents and advocating for the expansion of rescue stations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he oversaw the district's vaccination centre, delivering 91,000 doses between January and October 2021. His team also administered over 45,000 additional vaccinations through mobile units by the end of 2022. Beyond emergency management, Heida brought hands-on experience as both a paramedic and anesthesiologist. His successor, Helge Trauden, is an anesthesiology specialist and senior physician at Wolfenbüttel Municipal Hospital. Trauden has worked as an emergency physician on rescue missions since 2007 and supported Heida in his duties since 2018.

The transition marks the end of Heida's long-standing leadership in emergency services. His contributions included strengthening rescue infrastructure, pandemic response, and training protocols. Helge Trauden now leads the department, continuing the work of ensuring rapid and effective emergency care in the region.