This website uses cookies
More information
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.

Why visit ACE ’25?

Related background information from the Handbook...
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.

Request your printed copy

Rega statistics confirm demand for aeromedical services
The organisation managed numerous missions and transported thousands of patients despite fluctuations caused by weather conditions.

The services of Swiss Air-Rescue Rega were highly utilised in 2024, with the operations centre managing 19,667 missions. On average, Rega crews assisted 35 patients each day. The non-profit's rescue helicopters transported slightly fewer patients than the previous year, while its ambulance jets carried more.

In 2024, a total of 19,667 missions were organised, representing a 4.7% decrease from the year prior. The average number of daily missions coordinated stood at 54, with last year’s figures 6.1% above the five-year average. Rega transported 12,847 patients, a decrease of 6.0%, aligning with the five-year average. The discrepancy between mission and patient numbers can arise from multiple patients being transported on a single flight or search operations being conducted without patient transport. Moreover, Rega also coordinated missions for the Swiss Alpine Club and livestock transport.

The helicopter flight coordinators managed missions from 14 Rega bases, overseeing 14,714 helicopter operations, down 6.3% from 2023. This included a decline in primary missions (8,693, down 6.3%) and secondary transfers (2,729, down 8.8%). The reduction in primary missions indicates natural variances influenced by weather and seasonal activities.

Rega's assistance was not limited to Switzerland, with 2,552 individuals abroad seeking help, marking a 3.6% increase. Medical consultations reached 1,204 persons, while 1,348 patients required repatriation. Rega facilitated flights for seriously ill patients back to Switzerland on its Challenger 650 ambulance jets or scheduled aircraft, accompanied by medical personnel.

Rega’s jets conducted 1,033 missions, a 1.2% rise, repatriating 1,029 patients (+1.4%). Additionally, the coordination centre organised flights for 319 people on scheduled aircraft, offering a cost-effective transport option when medically viable. The number of repatriations varies annually, influenced by the travel habits of the Swiss population abroad.

Other News
 
Rega accepts first five-blade H145 in fleet upgrade
January 24, 2025
An Airbus H145 D3 is joining the Rega fleet and will perform air ambulance missions by the time it has been kitted out by the team. The operator is planning to replenish its roster and replace its fleet by 2026.