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High altitude rescuers surprise sick children as Santa Claus and superheroes!
On December 5, 2025, height rescuers from the Rostock fire department surprised children in the clinic with a visit from Santa Claus and rope activities.
High altitude rescuers surprise sick children as Santa Claus and superheroes!
On Friday, December 5, 2025, the little patients of the clinic and polyclinic for pediatric and adolescent medicine in Rostock experienced an unforgettable day. High-altitude rescuers from the Rostock professional fire department lowered themselves from the clinic roof and glided over a taut rope in the inner courtyard. Dressed in imaginative costumes of Santa Claus and superheroes, they provided a welcome distraction from everyday hospital life.
The special campaign was brought forward by one day because the official St. Nicholas Day fell on a weekend and therefore fewer children would be in the hospital. Mathias Steinberg, team leader of the Rostock professional fire department, said that positive experiences are of great importance for sick children. Prof. Meyer-Bahlburg, director of the clinic, praised the fire department's commitment and described this visit as a highlight of the year.
Looking forward to smiling faces
Organized by Liana Helm, the clinic's nursing manager, the more mobile children gathered in the playrooms to experience the exciting rope show up close. This year the famous Disney characters Anna and Elsa as well as Mickey Mouse took part in the abseiling event for the first time. It was a happy sight and another highlight for the children, who often struggle with worries and fears during their hospital stay.
This campaign is part of a nationwide initiative that took place not only in Rostock, but also in other cities, including Hamburg. There, on St. Nicholas Day, altitude rescuers dressed as St. Nicholas and superheroes visited the little patients at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). Over 50 units from fire departments and THW took part in this beautiful tradition, which aims to let the children forget their everyday hospital life for a moment. So many sweet surprises escaped not only the Rostock children, but also small patients in various other children's hospitals across the country.
Give a smile
The campaign is part of a large-scale program in which high-altitude rescuers bring joy to children in various cities during St. Nicholas Day. “Giving children a smile” is the motto behind these engaging activities. Over 60 high-altitude rescue units took part in these nationwide campaigns and ensured that countless children's eyes lit up.
Another example of this beautiful tradition came from Lippstadt, where Höhenretter also created an unforgettable experience with their St. Nicholas campaign. In many clinics, this special connection between the fire department and children is not only valued, but is also perceived as a significant contribution to the mental health of the young patients.
The emergency services, who dress in creative costumes and abseil from the roofs, have not only won the hearts of the sick children, but also those of the clinic staff. Your visits impressively show how important it is to provide small rays of hope in difficult times.