The medical community mourns the loss of a true pioneer in emergency medicine and resuscitation, Prof. Fritz Sterz, who passed away on 5 August 2024, at the age of 68 years. He was a visionary leader, a dedicated researcher, and a passionate advocate for improving emergency care, leaving an indelible mark on the field.

Born and raised in Austria, Professor Sterz’s journey began in Graz, where he completed his studies and specialized in internal medicine. His early career revealed a deep-seated commitment to emergency care, evident in his leadership of the Austrian Red Cross Medical Corps in Graz during his residency. This passion led him to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he spent three formative years (1987–1990) conducting research with Prof. Peter Safar, the renowned “father of resuscitation research.” This experience ignited a lifelong pursuit of advancing resuscitation science.

Upon returning to Austria, Professor Sterz joined the General Hospital of Vienna in 1991 as a senior physician in the newly established Department of Emergency Medicine. He quickly established himself as a leading figure in the field, becoming a specialist in internal intensive care medicine and earning his habilitation in 1992. From 1996 until his retirement in 2021, he served as associate professor and deputy head of the department. Even in retirement, his dedication remained unwavering, as he continued to contribute as a researcher until his final days.

Professor Sterz’s impact on emergency medicine and resuscitation is profound and far-reaching. He was a prolific researcher, authoring over 350 publications and achieving a h‑index of 58, a testament to the significant influence of his work. His leadership propelled the Medical University of Vienna to international recognition, securing its position as the second-best university in Europe and eighth globally in the field of emergency medicine in the 2017 Centre for World University Rankings. His research on therapeutic hypothermia following cardiac arrest stands as a cornerstone of modern resuscitation practices. Professor Sterz spearheaded the first European multicenter study demonstrating the benefits of mild cooling to 33 °C on neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest. This groundbreaking research, published in 2002, directly influenced the adoption of therapeutic hypothermia into international resuscitation guidelines.

Professor Sterz’s international collaborations and leadership in clinical trials cemented his status as a global authority in emergency medicine. He actively participated in international conferences, sharing his expertise and fostering collaboration among researchers worldwide. His dedication to evidence-based medicine and his tireless pursuit of improving patient outcomes earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues across the globe. In 2007, he was the first European researcher to be awarded the prestigious Dickinson W. Richards Memorial Lecture at the American Heart Association Resuscitation Science Symposium.

Beyond his contributions to resuscitation science, Professor Sterz’s innovative spirit led him to explore new frontiers in medical research. His work as attending physician to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra sparked his interest in performing arts medicine, a field focused on optimizing the physical and mental well-being of artists to enable peak performance. He fostered this emerging area of research, guiding numerous graduate students in their exploration of this unique field.

While his scientific achievements are undeniable, Professor Sterz’s impact extended beyond the laboratory and lecture hall. He possessed a rare and remarkable quality: the ability to seamlessly blend diverse roles. To many within the Department of Emergency Medicine, he was simultaneously a leader, driving force, and motivator, while also serving as a mentor, father figure, friend, and confidant. Beneath a sometimes gruff exterior lay a deeply compassionate and supportive heart. He cultivated a collaborative and nurturing environment, inspiring generations of emergency medicine professionals.

Professor Sterz will be deeply missed by his colleagues, students, and the global emergency medicine community. He was a true champion for his patients, a dedicated mentor to his students, and a beloved colleague and friend. He will be remembered not only for his remarkable achievements but also for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.

Although he may be gone, his impact on the world will be felt for generations to come.