Rega tests obstacle warning system

In order to further increase safety for patients and crews on missions, Rega is testing a laser-based system for the automatic detection of aviation obstacles in collaboration with helicopter manufacturer Leonardo. The system's sensor unit uses a laser to permanently scan the surroundings in front of the helicopter and also detects thin cables and masts up to two kilometers away. An acoustic signal warns the pilots of obstacles, which are also displayed on a screen in the cockpit and on a so-called head-up display in the pilot's field of vision. The big advantage compared to passive warning systems, which rely on a flight obstacle database: The system also warns of obstacles that are not marked on any map.

Test flights in the mountains in spring 2017

Rega's operational area is characterized by challenging topography and many aviation obstacles. Now, joint test flights with the manufacturer are to show how precisely and reliably the system, which is already being used successfully in some military helicopters, works in mountain valleys with many aviation obstacles, such as cable car cables and hay ropes from mountain farming. Test flights are taking place this spring with manufacturer Leonardo in northern Italy. The system is to be used in the three new AW169-FIPS all-weather rescue helicopters from 2021. Rega CEO Ernst Kohler says: "The safety of our patients and crews is Rega's top priority. We are constantly striving for improvements and a further increase in safety and are making enormous efforts in this regard, whether in the training and further education of our staff, in organizational terms, or in the use of state-of-the-art technology."

Video laryngoscope: A camera for better vision

In the field of medicine, too, Rega uses state-of-the-art technology to improve the medical care of its patients. For example, it is now providing its crews with a video laryngoscope for securing patients' airways. In addition to the light source, the tip of the blade is equipped with a tiny camera that transmits the signals to a small screen. The video laryngoscope has been used in hospitals for image-assisted intubation for some time now. Now Rega has a technically advanced, mobile and robust video laryngoscope at its disposal, which can also be used outside the hospital, in all weathers. Through the screen, not only the intubating emergency physician has a clear view, but also the paramedic or nurse who is assisting. The crew at the Rega base in Berne successfully tested the video laryngoscope on rescue missions for a year. They even used it in bright sunlight and in the snow to check whether the image on the display was still clearly visible. The new video laryngoscope will soon be part of the standard equipment in Rega's fleet.

Over 15,000 operations again

Rega's Operations Center organized a total of 15,093 missions in 2016, slightly more than in the previous year (+0.3%). The number of helicopter missions fell slightly compared with the previous year (11,055, -1.2%). In general, the helicopter deployment figures reflect the weather conditions and the leisure behavior of people in Switzerland. Due to the warm and correspondingly low-snow winter of 2016, helicopters flew significantly fewer missions in the months of January (- 4.7 %) and February (- 17.6 %), for example, than in 2015. In contrast, the above-average sunny September (+ 18.2 %) ensured intensive mission days.

Meanwhile, missions by Rega's three ambulance jets increased: in 858 missions (+4.6%), they brought a total of 869 patients (+5.3%) back to Switzerland from all over the world. There was also a significant increase in the number of patients repatriated on board scheduled aircraft (354, +12%). This alternative to the ambulance jet is always used when the patient's condition is sufficiently stable and the transport is reasonable for the patient and fellow passengers.

Source: Rega Annual Media Conference