Rega erleben
Rega Wissen
Rätsel und Spiele
Filme und Fotos
Malen und Basteln
“Without
our patrons,
Rega would not exist.”
David Müller Editor-in-Chief / Head of Communication and Patronage
In the two and a half years since I’ve been at Rega, I’ve had so many fascinating conversations with our patrons. These were almost always very positive as Rega receives a lot of goodwill, gratitude and admiration. For most people, there’s no doubt that patronage is a good thing. Sometimes I’m also asked about the purpose of patronage. Do you still need it when you get older and become less active? Wouldn’t a decent insurance policy suffice if you ever found yourself needing to use Rega’s services?
At a cost of just CHF 40 per year, patronage is worthwhile for a number of reasons. It enables Rega to guarantee air rescue throughout Switzerland. Rega is only able to provide its services thanks to the support of its patrons and countless donors. Without this support, Rega would not have the financial means to be on standby around the clock and throughout the year and to guarantee air rescue and medically supervised repatriation from abroad. And yes, a Rega patronage also makes sense for older or less active people, as our mission statistics show. We’re often called out to deal with acute illnesses such as heart attacks and strokes, as well as road traffic accidents. All of these things can happen to people of any age. Health insurance and supplementary insurance policies cover a lot, but not everything. This is why we recommend a Rega patronage in addition to good insurance cover.
We would like to thank you for your loyalty to Rega and trust you will enjoy reading this latest issue! Have a great summer!
Takeoff
Visit Rega
This year, Rega is flying a rescue helicopter to Olten, Schaffhausen, Geneva, Fribourg and Winterthur. We will also be opening the hangar door of our helicopter base in Basel. Why not stop by, get to know a little more about Rega and take a look behind the scenes of our air rescue organisation. You’ll be able to see the rescue helicopter close up and find out first-hand what the daily routine of our Rega crew is like. We look forward to welcoming you!
3 Further information: rega.ch/events
Have you subscribed to our newsletter?
Every two months, you’ll be able to read the latest news from Rega in our newsletter. Fascinating videos, exciting background information, as well as prize draws and competitions await you.
3 Subscribe now: rega.ch/newsletter
19,667
Rega helped 35 patients a day
Rega’s services were again in great demand in 2024. The Operations Center organised a total of 19,667 missions in Switzerland and abroad, enabling the crews to bring urgently needed assistance by air to 35 patients per day, on average. The rescue helicopters transported slightly fewer patients than in the previous year, while the ambulance jets transported slightly more. The mission numbers for last year were 6.1 percent higher than the five-year average.
3 You will find more facts and figures in our Annual Report: report.rega.ch
Is your patronage still current?
Did you know that you can review your patronage conveniently online at any time in our portal? You will be able to see at a glance if it is still current.
3 Further information: rega.ch/login
First rescue helicopters from the new fleet in operation
In December 2024, the first of the 21 new Airbus H145 D3 machines landed at the Rega Center at Zurich Airport. Before the new rescue helicopter set off on its first missions, the interior designed by Rega and Aerolite was installed and certified in the Rega Center hangar. The crews from our bases in Lausanne, Bern and Sion have been taking off on rescue missions in the new aircraft since April. All bases will be equipped with these new machines by the end of 2026. The new Rega helicopters are the most modern of their kind in the world – powerful, spacious and with ultra-precise navigation.
3 Further information: rega.ch/h145
First aid while on the go
Our outdoor first aid kit is a popular classic. It now comes in a small and compact form. The new mini first aid kit offers the most important first aid items while on the go: two of each gauze bandages, compresses, blister plasters, moist towelettes, gloves, one tweezer, one disinfectant gel, 14 plasters. Dimensions: 12.5 × 9.5 × 4 cm. CHF 39.–
48 hours with Rega 4
From a motocross accident to the birth of a premature baby – join our Lausanne Rega crew for 48 hours.
What awaits the crew on this particular day is yet uncertain. The weather is capricious. The forecast is suggesting heavy thunderstorms. In the office at the Rega base in Lausanne, pilot Simon Luginbühl keeps his eye on the webcams and weather forecasts. “It’s worth checking from time to time. But as soon as we get called out and I know which direction we’re flying, then I assess the situation thoroughly. I check the precipitation radar and the wind speed, for example”, he explains.
One mission after the other
An alarm sounds: There’s been a motocross accident in Le Brassus (Canton Vaud). While on the flight to the mission location, emergency flight physician Julian Oberholzer studies the information communicated by the Operations Center and assesses the situation: “Given the patient’s age – he’s 82 – and the risks that can occur with an accident of this kind, I’m anticipating serious injuries.” Pilot Simon Luginbühl and paramedic Mathias Galter choose a landing site that is as close as possible to the injured person. Julian Oberholzer approaches the injured motorcyclist, examines him thoroughly and administers strong painkillers. He sees that the man has broken his femur and he straightens his leg. The patient can now be placed on the vacuum mattress and carefully transported. The patient’s friends help the Rega crew to carry him across the muddy terrain to the
The crew from the Rega base in Lausanne on a mission.
premature babies were transported by Rega in 2024.
helicopter. Without wasting any time, the crew flies to Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV). Once the patient has been safely delivered to the hospital, Simon Luginbühl contacts the Rega Operations Center to let them know that the crew is ready for its next mission. A few seconds later, a new alarm sounds on the crew’s mobile phones. Shortly after, the rescue helicopter takes off – this time towards Yverdon hospital. As Julian Oberholzer reads through the information that has been sent, he becomes aware of the gravity of the situation. A young man is in need of an urgent neurological examination. He has sustained very serious head injuries while playing sport. Every minute counts.
Landing at Yverdon hospital
A short time later, the crew arrives at the hospital in Yverdon-les-Bains. Seven specialists are standing around the intubated patient in the emergency room. Julian Oberholzer is informed that the young man collided head on with another player during a game of rugby and has been falling in and out of consciousness. The crew flies the patient to the CHUV, where a more accurate assessment can be carried out using medical imaging. During the flight, Julian Oberholzer monitors the patient using additional monitoring devices in order to be able to identify any sudden changes and respond accordingly. Meanwhile, in the south-west of Switzerland, a couple is visiting relatives in Nieder-
gesteln (Canton Valais), completely unaware that the day is about to take a dramatic turn. Sandrine is 32 weeks pregnant and having an enjoyable afternoon when she suddenly starts experiencing contractions. Alarmed, she calls her midwife in Bern who urgently advises her to go to the nearby hospital in Visp. Her husband Etienne drives her there.
Flight for a premature baby
At the hospital, it soon becomes clear that the baby will be born in a matter of hours. However, the specialist infrastructure of a central hospital is essential for meeting the needs of premature babies. Due to the poor weather conditions, a transfer flight to a central hospital is out of the question. Instead, Sandrine and her husband are flown to the next largest hospital in Sion. “During the transfer, I became aware of just how serious the situation was”, she recalls. In the middle of the night in a Sion delivery room, little Leano comes into the world – nearly two and a half months early. He
has to be immediately intubated by the medical staff. They decide that the newborn has to be transferred to Lausanne University Hospital by Rega helicopter. “Despite the circumstances, the birth went well”, says Sandrine, relieved. “The doctors told me that Rega were going to fly Leano to the central hospital in an incubator as there was a neonatal intensive care unit there where he could be better cared for.”
At 4 a.m. the alarm sounds at the Rega base in Lausanne. Pilot Simon Luginbühl checks the weather using an app and webcams. “We can fly directly over the mountains to the hospital in Sion”, he says. Meanwhile, in the hangar, paramedic Mathias Galter rearranges things inside the helicopter to make space for the incubator. The transport incubator is necessary as premature babies aren’t yet able to regulate their body temperature as well as adults and therefore need a warm environment. Generally speaking, missions involving premature babies are challenging and require both special equipment and additional specialists. The
Rega crew is therefore always accompanied by a neonatal team on these complex missions.
Once the rescue helicopter has landed on the helipad on the roof of the CHUV, a neonatal nurse and a paediatrician climb on board, and Mathias Galter secures the transport incubator inside the cabin. Then the Rega helicopter takes off in the direction of Sion. Upon arrival, there’s a big surprise. Simon Luginbühl and the new father know each other. They were both military pilots back in the day and used to fly together. Sandrine later recalls the moral support they received from the Rega pilot: “I thought that the pilot would stay with the helicopter. But ours didn’t. His words brought me great comfort during this time.”
Motorbike accident
On Sunday morning, paramedic Mathias Galter and emergency flight physician Julian Oberholzer finish their shift. They are replaced by paramedic and manager of the Lausanne base Stéphane Jean-Mairet and emergency
Left: Leano’s first flight. The Rega crew flies the premature baby to Lausanne University Hospital. Right: The incubator provides a warm environment, and Sandrine can still touch her son.
Rega can count on its partners.
flight physician David Eidenbenz, who will accompany Simon Luginbühl until the next day. Following a quiet morning, the alarm sounds: A motorcyclist has come off his bike on the Col du Mollendruz (Canton Vaud). The police and ambulance are on the scene. The flight takes only several minutes, during which time the emergency flight physician and the paramedic prepare to treat the patient. They discuss which equipment to take from the helicopter to the patient. On arriving at the scene, they see that the patient lying on the road is conscious. A few feet away, his wrecked motorbike suggests that there’s been a serious collision. David Eidenbenz examines the patient and decides to transport him to the CHUV. During the flight, he carries out an ultrasound examination but discovers no signs of internal bleeding. It turns out that the patient has sustained only minor injuries. Throughout these two days marked by various missions, the crew was always able to
count on its partners – the police, ambulance and specialists at the hospital. These partners contribute significantly to the proper care of patients during hospital transfers as well as in the case of road traffic accidents.
Rega partners: rescue work in close collaboration
In order for a mission to succeed, excellent cooperation with our partners is essential. Depending on the type of mission, our Rega crews require support from operation partners with specialist knowledge and equipment. Close collaboration with partner organisations as well as training on all aspects of the rescue helicopter are important for Rega. It therefore offers practical training courses for blue-light organisations as well as for ski patrollers and people working in forestry and agriculture.
David Suchet
Motorbike accident on the Col du Mollendruz: Rega emergency flight physician David Eidenbenz (kneeling on the left) and Rega paramedic Stéphane Jean-Mairet work closely with the ambulance and police.
“An investment that saves lives.”
Ernst Kohler 62, CEO of Rega
On 15 March 2025, the first of 21 new Rega helicopters went into service: The crew attended to a winter athlete who had been in an accident.
The story of the Rega helicopter fleet is one of constant progress. With each new generation, our machines have become more powerful, our rescue options more versatile and our missions more efficient. The new single-type fleet represents the consistent development of this philosophy: technology of the highest standard, perfectly aligned with the one goal that motivates us – saving lives.
The new machines are still red and white and aside from the fifth rotor blade, amateurs will hardly be able to tell the difference from the previous machines used at the lowland bases. However, first impressions are deceptive. The new Rega helicopter is quite something.
Over the last two years, a team of paramedics, emergency flight physi-
cians, design engineers, helicopter mechanics, pilots and avionics technicians have invested thousands of man hours into developing a new cabin configuration.
The result is impressive! The Rega version of the most powerful and modern rescue helicopter in its weight class to date differs from the manufacturer’s “standard model” in 144 configuration aspects. It will also be the first helicopter in the world that is certified for an even more precise instrument flight rule.
This project has shown what sets our organisation and our employees apart – ambition, perseverance and expertise. The ambition to continue improving what has already been tried and tested. The perseverance to not give up when faced with setbacks and to consistently pursue the best solution for our patients. And the expertise gained from thousands of missions and the technical skills of our
specialists. These qualities have led to Rega setting new standards in air rescue worldwide since its inception. Why do we go to such great lengths? We do it all for you, dear patrons. We do it in order to be able to provide the best possible medical assistance by air in Switzerland. This is why all of our new helicopters are fitted with a rescue hoist, regardless of whether they are stationed in the lowlands or on a mountain base. And as a result, all of our helicopters can offer special intensive care transportation and fly through the clouds under instrument flight rule.
We are delighted to be able to assist the Swiss public in an emergency with our new single-type fleet. As Rega does not receive any subsidies, this investment is only possible thanks to your support.
The new helicopter fleet
More light, more precise navigation and a new cabin arrangement: Rega has used the acquisition of 21 new-generation rescue helicopters to implement numerous improvements.
Rega plans to replace its entire helicopter fleet by the end of 2026. In future, it will rely on a single-type fleet comprising 21 of the latest fiveblade Airbus H145 D3 rescue helicopters. The machine with five rotor blades produces fewer vibrations and less noise.
There’s no off-the-shelf delivery when it comes to rescue helicopters. The new model H145 D3 is the result of several decades’ worth of valuable
experience in air rescue and findings from countless missions undertaken with previous models. Aside from the basic configuration of the helicopter, which has been developed together with the manufacturer Airbus, the cabin interior is extremely important for a Rega helicopter. The expertise and long-standing experiences of the project team made up of doctors, paramedics and engineers were incorporated here.
New features in the cabin
The configuration of the helicopter cabin is therefore very different to that of the previous model. The interior was redesigned in line with the slogan “Making what is good even better”. In addition to adapting the seating arrangements in the cabin, which enables the helicopter’s medical crew to work in the most ergonomic way possible, numerous other details have also been tweaked. Here are a few examples: The drawers and cupboards are now arranged and designed in such a way that emergency flight physicians can access their equipment more easily. The cabin floor is made from a resilient material with a non-slip surface. Other new features include the lighting systems on the helicopter, which better illuminate the surrounding area
during night missions, plus an additional, high-performance light that helps the crew with missions that require the use of the rescue hoist in the dark. All of these improvements have one goal – to provide patients with even better medical assistance on missions.
Retraining during ongoing operations
In addition to all the technical work, the integration of the new Rega helicopters into our fleet also includes (re)training. The biggest change will be for the crews at the seven mountain bases who have been flying the Da Vinci rescue helicopter. Rega’s own helicopter simulator for the Airbus H145, which enables training in Switzerland for all Rega crews, facilitates this process significantly. The main challenge will be coordinating all of this alongside ongoing operations. The 14 Rega bases throughout Switzerland must be on standby at all times despite training and technical challenges so that Rega can guarantee medical assistance by air for the Swiss population without interruption. Mathias Gehrig
The history of Rega helicopters
1952
Hiller 360 First helicopter mission with a private machine.
1957
Bell 47 J Swiss Air-Rescue receives its first helicopter from the Association of Swiss Consumers’ Cooperative (now Coop).
1968
Bell 206A Jet Ranger First Rega helicopter with a gas turbine engine.
1971
Alouette III High-performance gas turbine engine and rescue hoist enable rescue missions at greater altitudes and in more difficult conditions.
1974
Bölkow BO 105 Rega’s first twin-engine helicopter.
1992
Agusta A109K2 Helicopter with a rescue hoist designed especially for rescue missions in the Alps.
2003
EC 145 Modern, twin-engine rescue helicopter for the lowland bases.
2009
AgustaWestland Da Vinci Helicopter with state-of-the-art avionics and improved performance at higher altitudes.
2018
Airbus H145 D2 Improved performance and an enclosed tail rotor (Fenestron). This makes the helicopter quieter.
2024
Airbus H145 D3 Rega’s new single-type fleet. Any crew can work on any helicopter.
The holiday season is the perfect time for crafting
The holidays are just around the corner and we have prepared lots of exciting content for all ages. Have you ever made a Rega jet? Or a mobile? You’ll find the instructions in this issue.
If you want to get even more creative, we’ve put together some additional ideas for you at regaclub.ch. You’ll also find some tricky quiz questions in this magazine. Have fun crafting and solving puzzles!
Your Rega
Fluggeräte
Watch this short film and find out what it’s like to fly home to Switzerland in a Rega ambulance jet.
Take part in our new quiz! It’s all about our ambulance jet. Put your knowledge to the test and learn lots of new things. Good luck!
MitAugen,mitOutline
MitAugen,ohneOutline
regaclub.ch/ zurueck-in-die-schweiz
OhneAugen,mitOutline
OhneAugen,ohneOutline
Landschaft
You’ll find all the details at: regaclub.ch/quiz-ambulanzjets
At regaclub.ch you’ll find instructions for yourself, your friends or your siblings. Ask your parents if they can help you, and get a pair of scissors, a glue stick and all the other materials you need. Let’s go!
Fluggeräte
Make me for your room
What you need:
1 craft sheet printout
1 pair of scissors
1 cutting blade and craft mat
1 glue stick or PVA glue
Would you like to have a fantastic jet, too? Then why not make your own! Simply follow our instructions.
1 Scan the QR code below or visit our website. Print out the jet craft sheet on A4 or A3 paper. Cut along the solid line and fold the dotted line. Follow the instructions. Have fun!
regaclub.ch/ rega-jet-bastelbogen
Rega’s 3 ambulance jets are deployed worldwide and bring people in distress back to Switzerland. The Rega jet can fly a distance of up to 6500 kilometres – from Zurich to New York in the USA, for example, without a stopover.
Sweet dreams!
How about a Rega helicopter to help you to sleep?
We’ve got just the thing! Make a Rega mobile with your parents, friends or siblings using our template. Simply watch our video and follow the instructions.
You’ll find more craft ideas on our website. Take a look!
regaclub.ch/ malen-basteln
What you need:
1 pair of scissors
Pieces of string: for each of the 6 elements, approx. 40 cm of string and string for hanging up the mobile
2 wooden sticks (each approx. 40 cm)
1 glue stick or PVA glue
1 hole punch for punching out the mounting (optional)
Text-Panel
Landschaft
Colouring competition
Send a picture of your colouring (page 21) along with your address by 31 July 2025 to regaclub-kids@rega.ch or by post to: Swiss Air-Rescue, Rega “Competition RegaCLUB” PO Box 1414 CH-8058 Zurich Airport
We’ll be giving away ten wall clocks worth CHF 39 each among the entrants. Good luck!
Conditions of entry: Rega employees and their children are not allowed to enter. Prizes will not be paid out in cash. No correspondence will be entered into regarding the competition. No details will be passed on to third parties. Legal recourse is excluded. The winners will be notified in writing.
Answer from issue no. 103: Cockpit
The following entrants have each won a Rega gym bag: R. Bissardon, Ependes VD | M. Revillard, Essertines- sur-Rolle | A. Tissot, Chessel | L. Hunziker, Münchwilen AG | M. Dinkel, Suhr | S. Wampfler, St. Stephan | M. Rimann, Allerheiligen- berg | N. Rüger, Stäfa | C. Soffiato, Viganello | D. Tramezzani, Gentilino
Hügel
Rega is looking for its most creative fans! Colour in your own Rega dream jet! We’ll be publishing a selection of the pictures in a gallery at regaclub.ch from 15 August. The winners of the 10 wall clocks (page 20) will be decided by the draw.
Fluggeräte
Mit Augen, mit Outline
Mit Augen, ohne Outline
Ohne Augen, mit Outline
Ohne Augen, ohne Outline
Landschaft
Would you like to colour in another one?
regaclub.ch/ mal-wettbewerb
Rega jet beach towel 29.–
Beach towel with Rega Challenger 650 ambulance jet.
Material: 50 % cotton, 50 % polyester.
Dimensions: 70 × 140 cm. Article no. 30062
Teddy bear 35.–
Rega teddy to play with, cuddle and love.
Article no. 40037
Mammut
backpack 59.–
Small daypack with attached mini plush helicopter. Volume: 16 l.
Article no. 40060
Wall clock 39.–
Always have Rega and the time in good view.
Jet, article no. 40063
Helicopter, article no. 40064
DillySocks
15.–
Colourful Rega socks, Oeko-Tex 100.
Article no. 40066: 4 – 6 years
Article no. 40067: 7 – 9 years
Publication information
Issue no. 4 | June 2025
Swiss Air-Rescue Rega
“Our Rega crews fly to over 400 airfields .”
Daniela Bergamin
Jet pilot, 40
Daniela Bergamin is a Rega jet pilot. She has to be prepared for all eventualities, which is why her suitcase is always packed and ready to go. Inside, she has everything from a pair of shorts to a warm jacket.
Daniela Bergamin has been working for Rega for eight years and loves her job. “I love the combination of aviation, medicine and working in a small, professional team, as well as the feeling that you’re doing something good.” Why did Daniela want to become a pilot? “I have a competition with the children's book character Globi to thank for that”, she says. At the age of 11, she drew an aeroplane with great attention to detail, even though she had never flown before. She won the competition and had the opportunity to fly from Basel to Zurich with Swissair. All on her own, without her parents accompanying her. It was this unforgettable experience that gave her the bug for flying. Before joining Rega, Daniela Bergamin gained a wealth of experience. After training in the business sector and working in Valencia for two years, she began her career in aviation. Alongside her job as a flight attendant, she obtained her private
pilot licence. This was followed by her professional pilot licence and finally her airline pilot licence. “I used my spare time to gain flying experience and achieve the prescribed number of flying hours”, says Basel-born Daniela. The first time she sat in the cockpit of a Rega jet was a dream come true. “My job enables me to help people in distress”, gushes the mother of two. It requires a huge amount of spontaneity and flexibility. The crew members only find out the evening before if and when they’ll be out on mission the next day, where they’re headed and how long for. Daniela Bergamin is thankful to be able to rely on the support of her family and a flexible home environment. “Each year the Rega crews fly to over 400 airfields
around the world”, says the pilot. “You won’t find a more varied job in aviation. We encounter new airports, people and cultures on a daily basis and experience a lot of gratitude and appreciation.” Daniela Bergamin particularly likes flying to smaller, more remote airfields, for example in the North: “There the runways are often incorporated into beautiful natural landscapes. These airfields are interesting in terms of aeronautics, too. The topography, weather, restricted runway length and significant lack of instrument flight rules make our job very exciting.” Which destination is Daniela Bergamin particularly fond of? “Bolzano. The flight from Switzerland over the breathtaking Alpine panorama is quite the experience.” Karin Zahner
10:00
3 Briefing with pilot Dominik Ebneter for the imminent flight to Tenerife.
11:00
1 Together in the cockpit: On the outbound flight, Daniela Bergamin is the Pilot Flying. This means that she controls the aircraft and makes the entries in the autopilot.
13:00
7 Lunch on board the aircraft. The crew can choose from a range of small meals.
14:00
7 Landing in Tenerife. The handling agent asks whether the refuelling process is complete. Daniela Bergamin confirms this.
16:00
5 Letting down the ramp specially developed for Rega: This means that the patient can board the aircraft lying down.
21:00
1 Landing in Zurich: This time, Daniela Bergamin is the Pilot Monitoring. She monitors the flight instruments, the other systems and maintains radio contact with air traffic control.
“My job allows me to help people in distress.”
Leisure time
7 Aside from her passion for flying, spending time with her two children is Daniela Bergamin’s main priority.
Strategically planned – from Rayong to Geneva
A Rega crew begins a three-day jet mission to Thailand to bring a seriously ill patient back to Switzerland. Good organisation in advance is crucial to the success of the mission.
“Our patient is in intensive care and must be repatriated on a ventilator”, says Felix Schatter. It’s 7.30 a.m. Standing around the rectangular wooden table in the briefing room of the Rega Center alongside the flight physician are pilots Daniela Bergamin, Raphael Jenni and David Schenk, intensive care flight nurse Svenja Kägi and flight coordinator Monica De Santis. In an hour’s time, the five-man crew will set out on a three-day jet mission to repatriate a seriously ill man in Thailand. They’re currently discussing the mission. It’s not just the flight path, fuel stops and weather that are important to know, but also the health of the patient, the conditions at the destination airport and the cooperation with the local hospital. Following this exchange, all crew members have the same information at their disposal and are able to begin the mission fully prepared.
Clarifications with local doctors
In the days prior to the briefing, the Rega medical consultants undertook important groundwork. On behalf of the ETI Operations Center of the Touring Club Switzerland (TCS), they ascertained the medical condition of an 80-year-old man who is currently in hospital in Thailand having been diagnosed with severe pneumonia and septic shock. They have been communicating with the local doctors for several days in order to remotely assess the condition of the patient in intensive care. They have concluded that the man is well enough to travel. As soon as this becomes clear, the flight coordinators organise his repatriation to Switzerland. The dispatcher determines the
flight paths. These aren’t always the shortest routes. For safety reasons, crisis and conflict zones must be avoided or flown over at a sufficiently high altitude. Only once the flight path has been determined can the necessary permissions be obtained to fly over the respective countries. What’s more, a separate permission is required for each take-off and landing. “We can’t set off without these”, says jet flight coordinator Jessica Herrmann. She prepared the mission to Thailand along with the dispatcher.
Arranging the ambulance
As the permissions come in one by one, the team concentrates on all the other puzzle pieces such as the refuelling stop for the Rega ambulance jet in Mary (Turkmenistan), a taxi to take the crew from Rayong Airport (Thailand) to the hotel, and last but not least the ambulance, which will transport the patient from the hospital to the jet. Finally, the night before the mission, the flight coordinator summons
Full cockpit: pilots
Raphael Jenni, David Schenk and Daniela Bergamin en route to Thailand.
Intensive care flight nurse Svenja Kägi brings Rega’s perfusors and ventilator to the patient.
the crew. Due to the long flight time, three pilots are required. They will take it in turns in the cockpit on the flight to Thailand. The team also includes a physician and an intensive care flight nurse.
Flying without air traffic controllers
The Rega jet refuels on the first stopover in Mary. The handling personnel are on hand and actively help out. Within less than an hour, the crew is back in the air over Afghanistan. “There’s no controlled airspace here. This means that there are no air traffic controllers on the ground to monitor our flight. Instead, we have to communicate our position every five minutes, while also listening in to make sure we’re aware of any other air traffic until we reach Pakistan”, explains Raphael Jenni.
Visiting the patient
After two long flights of six hours each, the crew lands in Rayong before dawn. “The airport is small and quiet, everything went like clockwork. The ground crew were on hand to coordinate our arrival in Thailand and our
taxi to the hotel was ready and waiting”, says Raphael Jenni. It’s still too early to travel to the hospital. So the crew head to the hotel for a few hours’ sleep. After a brief period of rest, flight physician Felix Schatter and intensive care flight nurse Svenja Kägi head to the hospital to visit the patient and better assess his condition. For a more comprehensive picture, they talk to the patient’s doctor and intensive care nurse at the hospital who then prepare the departure and discharge papers. The next morning, the medical crew returns to the hospital. They connect the perfusors and the patient’s ventilation tube to the Rega equipment. An ambulance then transports the patient and the medical team to the ambulance jet.
Monitoring blood pressure in real time
The man is loaded into the jet via the ramp specially developed for Rega and carefully placed on the intensive care bed inside the jet. The journey home begins. The flight path is the same as on the outbound leg, including a stopover in Mary to refuel. During the flight, Felix Schatter inserts an arterial line into the patient in order to monitor his blood pressure in real time and adjust the ventilator settings according to the blood gas analysis. The flight through six time zones goes without a hitch. The Rega jet lands safely in Geneva the following evening. An ambulance is ready and waiting to transport the patient to a hospital where his treatment will continue. One final takeoff and the Rega jet returns punctually to the Rega Center at Zurich Airport. Thanks to the excellent advance planning and professional crew, everything has run like clockwork.
Karin Zahner
Small procedure in the Rega jet: flight physician Felix Schatter inserts an arterial line.
These specialists make repatriation possible
Ground crew Flight crew
Three separate teams of professionals work in shifts around the clock at the Rega Operations Center in order to ensure that the jet crews can transport patients safely back home:
Flight coordinator
If you call the Rega international emergency number on +41 333 333 333, you will get through to a flight coordinator. They coordinate and organise the repatriation according to the specifications of the medical consultants.
Medical consultant
Medical consultants talk with the doctors on location, as well as with the patient and their next-of-kin. They then decide if repatriation is necessary, and if so, when and how.
Dispatcher
Dispatchers plan the flight paths of the Rega jets including any stopovers, obtain overflight permits, coordinate with fuel suppliers and handling teams at the respective airfields, and provide the pilots with all the necessary flight documents before take-off.
Once the mission has been organised, the crew is summoned. The crew always comprises the following three professions:
Jet pilot
The Rega jet is always flown by two pilots, a commander and a co-pilot. For longer missions, there may be up to four pilots on board, who take it in turns in the cockpit.
Intensive care flight nurse
Together with the flight physician, the intensive care flight nurse guarantees the provision of professional medical care – from the time the patients enter their care abroad to when they are handed over at the Swiss hospital.
Flight physician
The flight physician bears the medical responsibility for the mission, ensures a smooth handover and optimal medical care during repatriation.
You can find further information on the topic of repatriation at: rega.ch/repat
“A patronage knows no exclusions.”
Kelly Gray Operations Management Team Leader
Kelly Gray, Operations Management Team Leader, speaks about the costs of Rega missions and the benefits of a patronage.
You work in Operations Management. What does your job involve?
We take care of the paperwork once Rega has been out on a mission to rescue a person in distress. This means that we clarify whether health insurance, accident insurance and/ or supplementary insurance are obliged to pay out. We also check whether the person in distress had a valid Rega patronage at the time of the mission.
What is the cost of a mission within Switzerland?
The cost is influenced by various factors including the length of the mission and the necessary resources and emergency services. We charge on a per-minute basis. Generally speaking, the more complex and lengthy a Rega mission, the higher the costs. A Rega helicopter is out for 90 minutes on average and costs CHF 4500 –that’s without assistance from additional specialists such as Alpine Rettung Schweiz (ARS). Extensive missions such as search and rescue or avalanche missions can run into tens of thousands of Swiss francs.
How expensive is a repatriation?
The costs for a repatriation in a Rega jet depend on the flight time. A
repatriation from Thailand costs more than CHF 100,000, while the costs for a repatriation from Spain amount to around CHF 30,000.
What benefits do I enjoy as a patron?
Without our patrons, Rega would not exist. It’s only thanks to this support that we’re able to help you or your loved ones in an emergency. As a thank-you for this support, Rega can waive the Rega mission costs for its patrons, provided these costs are not already covered by insurance.
Rega “can” waive the costs? But does it actually?
Yes. Last year, Rega waived more than 14 million Swiss francs of its patrons’ mission costs which were not covered by insurance. Rega is not an insurance company, but a privately run, non-profit foundation. There are no exclusions, such as pre-existing illnesses . Rega "can" waive the costs for its patrons. The “can” wording in the Rega Conditions of Patronage comes from the fact that, legally speaking, the patronage contribution is a donation.
I’m insured against accident and illness. Is a patronage still beneficial?
Yes. There are lots of people in
Switzerland who are insured against accidents through compulsory health insurance rather than through an employer, for example people who are not in gainful employment such as pensioners and homemakers. In these cases, the insured benefits of the health insurance are much less for an accident. Half of all helicopter missions also involve people with acute illnesses – such as a heart attack or stroke. In the case of a recognised rescue, the health insurance covers 50 % of the costs, but only up to a maximum of CHF 5000 per calendar year. As a matter of fact, Rega’s hundreds of missions annually also involve people who are not injured or ill, but who have lost their way or whose rescue resulted in a search operation. These costs are often not covered by insurance, however Rega waives them for its patrons.
Is my Rega patronage still valid if I have to be flown by another air-rescue organisation?
The Rega patronage is also valid for missions by other air-rescue organisations who have similar patronage schemes and with whom a mutual agreement exists, such as Air Zermatt and Air-Glaciers. Otherwise, the condition for a cost waiver is that Rega has coordinated or organised the mission, and has therefore directly requested the rescue helicopter from another organisation for the mission.
What to do in case of an emergency abroad
What should you do if you have an accident or become ill while abroad? If you’re well informed and prepared in advance, you’ll be able to better manage an emergency situation.
Things can happen quickly, including on holiday! In the event of an accident, injury or sudden illness, you’ll urgently need to find a doctor’s surgery or hospital. Such situations are easier to handle if you put in some preparation work before going on holiday. This means that you will know what to do in case of an emergency abroad and you’ll have the necessary information to hand.
Assistance over the phone
Rega doesn’t just provide assistance in the case of serious or severe illnesses – our doctors are on hand at all times, even if you don’t know whether you should contact a hospital or a doctor. When you call Rega from abroad on +41 333 333 333, you can get medical advice, the address of a local surgery or nearby hospital, as well as help translating and understanding an established diagnosis.
Alerting the local rescue service
What should you do if something more serious happens – a road traffic accident or acute illness, for example? In emergency situations such as these, you must alert the local rescue service or find a doctor or hospital immediately. Rega cannot provide first aid abroad. Contact Rega only once initial medical treatment has been provided (see box on next
Rega number from abroad: +41 333 333 333
Our flight coordinators and physicians will answer your questions and help you plan your next steps.
Checklist for calling Rega
• Contact person: Name, telephone number
• Information about the patient: Name, date of birth, home address
• Patient’s place of residence: Hospital and ward, telephone number
• Responsible doctor: Name, telephone number
• Condition of the patient: Diagnosis?
• Cause: What happened where?
Before your journey
Important tips
• Make a note of the emergency numbers in your destination country as well as the emergency numbers for your basic, supplementary or travel insurance, and Rega.
• Check your insurance cover.
• Check your first-aid kit and update it, if necessary.
• Take your health insurance card with you.
• Make sure you have smartphone credit to be able to call Switzerland from abroad.
• Check your vaccination status at least six weeks before you travel, find out about mandatory vaccinations in your destination country and pack your vaccination certificate.
• If you suffer from allergies, chronic illnesses, pre-existing illnesses: Take a list of your medication in the language of your destination country so that you can present it, if necessary. Get a “Fit to fly” medical certificate from your local doctor and take your most recent medical report with you (in electronic format or as a paper copy).
page) – to start the ball rolling on a repatriation to Switzerland.
When can a patient be repatriated?
Repatriation to Switzerland may be necessary in the case of serious injury, severe illness or if suitable medical care cannot be guaranteed abroad.
The decision on whether repatriation is necessary and the best solution for the patient is made by the Rega medical consultant on duty. They will also discuss the diagnosis with the doctor on location, as well as with the patient and their next-of-kin. In addition, they will contact the patient’s doctor back home for the patient’s medical history.
Making decisions based on various criteria
Decision criteria include the standard of local
While travelling
What to do in the event of an acute illness or accident?
• Get help if you have a medical emergency or accident. Call the rescue service or find a hospital or doctor.
• The European emergency number 112 works in Europe and a number of other countries. If necessary, your call will be forwarded directly to the local rescue services.
• Contact your health insurer, Rega and/or your travel insurer and – in the case of an accident – your employer’s accident insurer.
• Keep your next-of-kin informed of your condition so that they don’t have to worry any more than necessary.
• Inform your tour operator, hotel and airline about the accident or illness if you are unable to continue with your trip as planned.
medical care, therapy options or anticipated complications after an operation. Also taken into consideration are the expected duration of the hospitalisation, the treatment and rehabilitation, as well as the risks involved with transportation, plus social motivations – for example, if the patient cannot remain abroad on their own.
Ambulance jet or scheduled flight
Seriously ill or injured patients are generally flown back to Switzerland in one of Rega’s three ambulance jets – especially if they require intensive medical care.
If the patient’s health allows, the patient may return home on board a scheduled aircraft with medical supervision or even by ambulance from nearby destinations accompanied by ambulance staff.
Corina Zellweger
Rega Shop
Solar wristwatch 350.–
The Explorer and Mission solar watches were designed and manufactured exclusively for our patrons by a family business in Langenthal. The energy from the solar cell powers a Swiss quartz movement. Water-resistant to 50 metres. Unisex. 2-year warranty.
Explorer watch, article no. 60017
Mission watch, article no. 60016
NEW Mug 19.–
White or black ceramic mug, with Rega fleet design.
Volume: 3.1 dl.
White, article no. 90105
Black, article no. 90106
Exped Organizer 59.–
Four Exped pouches in different sizes keep your luggage organised.
Article no. 90097
Sunglasses 119.–
CE-certified sports sunglasses with polarised lenses.
100 % UV protection up to 400 nm.
Article no. 90087
Deuter backpack 79.–
Daypack with reflective strips.
Dimensions: 46 × 33 × 21 cm.
Volume: 25 l.
Article no. 90076
Mission
Explorer
Victorinox Classic SD pocket knife 29.–
Small pocket knife with 7 functions. Printed with the Rega fleet.
Article no. 90104
Challenger 650 29.–
Collector’s model, scale 1:100, plastic. Not suitable as a toy.
Article no. 50020
NEW Baseball cap 39.–
Dark blue cap made of functional material, 100 % protection for your head against harmful UV rays.
Article no. 30088
Pocket umbrella 49.–
Robust pocket umbrella, opens and closes automatically. Red, with safety reflectors. Diameter: 98 cm.
Article no. 90095
Airbus Helicopters
H145 D3 32.– instead of 35.–Collector’s model, scale 1:48, metal. Not suitable as a toy.
Article no. 50026
AgustaWestland
Da Vinci 32.– instead of 35.–Collector’s model, scale 1:48, metal. Not suitable as a toy.
Article no. 50027
Order online
You can place your order conveniently and around the clock online: rega.ch/shop
NEW Mini first aid kit 39.–
First aid while on the go: 2 each gauze bandages, compresses, blister plasters, antiseptic wipes, gloves, 1 tweezer, 1 disinfectant gel, 14 plasters.
Dimensions: 12.5 × 9.5 × 4 cm.
Article no. 90108
Order by phone
We would be pleased to accept your order via the following phone number: Shop phone no. 0848 514 514
Articles are available as long as stocks last. A charge of CHF 8.80 is made for shipping within Switzerland.
Check out the Rega Shop!
PERFECT FOR THE START OF SCHOOL
Go direct to the shop: rega.ch/shop
Be inspired by the unique selection of Rega products in our shop. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or find a gift for any age, we have high-quality products to suit every taste. Our wide range has something for everyone, including useful equipment for sporting types and outdoor enthusiasts, gifts for the godchildren and replica models of our ambulance jets and rescue helicopters for Rega fans.
Browse our wide range and find your new favourite product at rega.ch/shop.
Rega contacts
Emergency numbers Switzerland 1414 Abroad +41 333 333 333
Rega newsletter rega.ch/newsletter
General information rega.ch
Rega Shop
Order online
You can place your order in comfort and around the clock online.
rega.ch/shop
Contact Center
Order by phone
We would be pleased to accept your order directly via our Rega Shop phone numbers.