Alert Rega
One false step, one fall or one medical problem - and disaster has struck. Correct alerting and observance of a few basic principles help the Rega crews in their work and contribute to the smooth running of a rescue and thus to the rapid care of the patient.
For direct alerting of Rega, the rule of thumb is: if the rescue helicopter can arrive at the patient's location more quickly than other means of rescue, it is advisable to dial the Rega emergency number 1414 directly.
This is the case, for example, if the patient is in rough terrain, access for ground-based emergency services is difficult or impossible, or would take too long. The speed is one of the main advantages of the helicopter and makes it the means of choice when a fast and gentle transport to a center hospital is important for the treatment of the casualty. For example, in cases of suspected back injuries, heart attacks, strokes, amputations, severe burns or pronounced respiratory problems.
Another advantage of the Rega helicopter: the crew always includes an emergency doctor. In the event of falls from great heights, accidents involving several injured persons, seriously injured or ill children or in other cases where medical assistance is required on site, the 1414 is the right number.
And don't worry, there is no such thing as a "false alarm number". The blue-light organizations in Switzerland are well networked with each other. No matter which emergency number you dial, you will receive professional help everywhere and, if necessary, will be forwarded to the right place within seconds.
Rega emergency app
At the Helicopter Operations Center, Rega's emergency managers work around the clock to ensure that around 10,000 patients receive rapid medical assistance from the air every year. As a general rule, it is advisable to raise the alarm using Rega's emergency app. With the free Rega app, you can alert the Rega Operations Centre with a swipe, and your position data are automatically transmitted. The direct transmission of coordinates to the Operations Center and subsequently directly to the cockpit of the rescue helicopter saves a lot of time and makes it easier to search for the accident site. The Rega app was launched in 2011 and has since been downloaded over 1.6 million times. The emergency app has proved its worth in thousands of missions and ensures every day that Rega can help patients as quickly as possible.
If you do not have a smartphone or have not installed the Rega app, you can alert Rega via the emergency number 1414. To successfully send an alarm with your cell phone, you need a minimum connection to a mobile network. If you frequently travel in areas without network coverage, an emergency radio may be the means of choice. If you do not succeed in raising the alarm with the Rega app, via the emergency number 1414 or the emergency radio, we recommend that you change your location if possible or try to call for help via the European emergency number 112.
Charged, warm, protected
To be prepared in an emergency, it is important to charge the battery of your cell phone before an excursion and then keep it warm and protected - it can save lives in an emergency. It is also helpful to configure the Rega app in advance, test it and then activate one of the additional functions. Furthermore, you should always inform your relatives, friends or hut wardens of the destination and duration of your upcoming activity. In this way, a search can be triggered in a targeted manner in the event of an emergency.
The helicopter lands
After the alarm is raised, it usually doesn't take long for the rescue helicopter to approach the scene. Don't be alarmed if the rescue helicopter doesn't come in for a direct landing. The pilot usually makes a circuit to assess potential hazards from the air and look for the best place to land. The helicopter will land as close as possible and as far away from the accident site as necessary. When landing, it will cause strong winds. Therefore, secure loose items such as jackets or backpacks. Approach the helicopter only when the rotor is stationary, and always follow the instructions of the crew.
Checklist and emergency numbers
Where is the accident site?
Who can be reached on site and how?
What exactly happened?
How many people are affected, how injured?
What is the situation on the ground?
What is the weather like on site? Visibility? Precipitation? Wind?
Emergency numbers
117 Police
118 Fire department
144 Emergency medical center
1414 Rega Switzerland
112 European emergency number
Alerting with the Rega app
Rega's free emergency app transmits the location details of the person raising the alarm directly to the Operations Center. This saves valuable time in an emergency.More information on alerting:
www.rega.ch/alarmierung
Source: Rega magazine #94 from May 2020
