Just witnessed this and I now have some questions. I am extremely impressed especially given the fact that I am coming from a country where people die waiting for the ambulance to arrive but this is another story.
So today a helicopter landed 10m from our residence due to an emergency call from a neighbor for medical help.
How can someone request a helicopter for medical emergency? Is this “service” only available under specific health insurance plans?
https://i.redd.it/uqxxp21r0und1.jpeg
Posted by makaros622
6 Comments
Generally there are multiple providers for helicopter rescue, but the most common one is REGA. You can call them using 1414 or the general emergency hotline will demand them if needed.
[REGA](https://www.rega.ch/en/our-missions/this-is-how-we-help-you)
Just call 112 or 144 and they will see what’s needed. You can also call Rega directly with 1414 somehow circumventing the regular emergency lines and other rescue helicopter companies . Not sure how they would handle it exactly.
It should be included for usual health and accident emergencies I guess. If you do some extreme hiking, skiing or whatever you better get a extra insurance with search and rescue budget.
Edit: Nice „residence“ you got there.
You call the regular emergency line 144, and give them all the details and the operators then decide if a regular ambulance is enough or if they’ll send a helicopter. If a helicopter gets sent, depends on a lot of factors like the seriousness of the injury but also the accessibility of the accident. For example up in the mountains the helicopter gets sent out for relatively minor injuries simply because the accident sites are often impossible to reach on ground or would take very long.
There are multiple air ambulance operators in Switzerland, with the biggest one being Rega but also Air Zermatt, Air Glacier and some more that you call directly if you know for sure that you’ll need an helicopter. For example 1414 is the number for Rega. But the operators there then also decided if a helicopter is necessary or if they can rescue you through some other means.
And in terms of cost I believe it’s usually covered by your accident insurance but for example for Rega you can become a supporter (it’s relatively cheao and definitely recommended, especially if you are often in the mountains) and they can decide to wave the cost.
I see that you’re in Geneva countryside, near the Hospital de La Tour (It’s close to Satigny right?), it’s exceptional to have helicopter for emergency in Geneva, it must have been a very serious problem… Hope the person is fine !
It’s not a service you can book as you choose. Helicopter rescue is dispatched only if needed due to the circumstances. If you break your leg in Wipkingen, they won’t come.
As for cost, that depends on the specifics. Accidents are covered by accident insurance, so if an accident in the mountains means you need to be airlifted out, that’ll be covered. If you have a cardiac event, it depend on your health insurance and whether you’re a REGA member.
The emergency hot line cooperates with different organizations, where Rega is probably the biggest one in terms of helicopter rescue.
My sister’s baby was at my parents’ house somewhere closer to the alps when her baby got a nut allergy reaction and started to struggle to breath. The next hospital is about 25 min away, 15-20min maybe if the ambulance has its siren on.
Anyway, because help was needed immediately, the emergency operator issued both ambulance and Rega. Later one arrived 5min after calling. We were all super impressed.
When the ambulance came in, the rega was already leaving lol.
We also learned that they will still send an ambulance just in case the helicopter can’t land.
In regards to insurance, basic insurance (which is mandatory) will cover you (after paying deductible). If you’re a Rega member, they could wave any costs but don’t have to you. It’s based on goodwill.