Rescue operations in the Swiss Alps in 1990 and 1991

Every year in the Swiss Alps, there are approximately 3000 accidents. Over 90% of victims (1990/1991: n = 3500–3800) are rescued by helicopter. In approximately 20% of accidents, a helicopter winch mission is necessary (1990/1991: n = 600–700 rescued persons). Swiss Air Rescue (REGA) is responsible for two thirds of all rescues in the off-road areas (1990/1991: n = 1958/2321 persons). All REGA rescue missions are registered according to medical (National advisory committee for aeronautics (NACA)) and topographical index. Over two thirds of all winch operations take place in accessible, and one third in difficult accessible sites of accidents. Of these, 2% are extremely difficult rescues, e.g. upon the north faces of the Eiger or the Matterhorn. Over 75% of all winch-rescued persons were rated NACA III–VII, where medical assistance is considered to be necessary at the site of accident. The assignment of experienced emergency doctors, trained in alpine techniques, improves the quality of preclinical treatment even in difficult sites, although clinical demands are not always completely practicable in the field and the possibilities of treatment are often limited by adverse climate and/or topography. An efficient medical-assisted helicopter rescue service has an important impact on the survival chances following alpine sport accidents.