In total, 3,209 rescue missions were carried out by Air-Glaciers in 2023, a number that remains high but nevertheless does not equal that of the record year of 2022, with its 3,264 recorded missions.
The first half of 2023 was down on the previous year, with a reduction of more than 150 interventions, the Valais-based rescue airline said on Friday.
The summer season was characterized by numerous helicopter interventions thanks to the favorable weather conditions, which allowed outdoor activity enthusiasts to enjoy long sunny days. Between mid-June and the end of October, more than 900 helicopter missions were flown by Air-Glaciers personnel.
In addition to helicopters, Air-Glaciers also operates SMUR (emergency medical and resuscitation services) for the central Valais region all year round. In 2023, Sion’s SMUR responded 990 times (578 day missions and 412 night missions).
Very busy holiday period
The snow and sunny weather in recent weeks has also drawn many people outside. Therefore, during the holiday period, between December 23 and January 2, Air-Glaciers crews went out 230 times, compared to 158 on the same dates last year.
Thursday 28 December and Saturday 30 December 2023 were the busiest days, each counting 34 interventions, all the bases combined.
Often it is the skiers who provoke the interventions, while the holidaymakers are on the slopes until Sunday. On Friday the first alarm sounded at 11.15am. The patient: a Belgian tourist. The diagnosis: pneumothorax caused by the ski pole.
>> Watch the 7.30pm report on a dive with an Air-Glaciers rescue team: Holidays bring their share of accidents on the slopes. Dive with an Air-Glaciers rescue team in Valais / 7.30 pm / 2 min. / yesterday at 7.30pm
HRK
2024-01-05 20:12:47
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