REGA trains pilots in the Romanian air rescue service

Project completed
Operating the winches during a flight with pilots in the Romanian air rescue service
REGA trainers practise techniques such as operating the winches during a flight with pilots in the Romanian air rescue service. © REGA

Swiss Air-Rescue (REGA) organises and coordinates further training for pilots in the Romanian air rescue service. With its long-standing experience and expertise, REGA helps improve the safety and quality of the Romanian air rescue service.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Romania
Improving social security
Various social services
01.09.2012 - 31.12.2016
CHF  1’500’800

Note: the texts under all the headings, with the exception of 'Results achieved', describe the situation before the start of the project.

Air rescue requires high safety standards and extensive expertise. In the past, there have been serious accidents during air rescue operations in Romania. Failures in safety and operational problems were identified by those in charge who then approached Switzerland for cooperation in this area. The Romanian Mobile Emergency Service for Resuscitation and Extrication (SMURD) has employed REGA to carry out training sessions.

Training in a Swiss flight simulator

REGA is training two Romanian flying instructors who will then be able to pass on the know-how they have acquired to other pilots in Romania. 28 pilots from the Romanian air rescue service have also been undertaking training sessions in a flight simulator at the Swiss Air Force training centre at the military air base in Emmen. By the end of 2013, all 28 pilots had completed their flight simulator training and improved their skills. REGA is also carrying out flying courses in Romania, such as winch and rescue operations in mountainous regions.

Lasting improvements in organisation

REGA is training Romanian air rescue service staff in new aeronautical procedures, communication, organisation, security management and organizational culture. This is intended to increase the safety, efficiency and speed of rescue operations to avoid losing vital time when responding to an accident. Instructors-to-be at the Romanian rescue service are taking part in REGA medical training courses, covering topics such as resuscitation, the European Trauma Course and how to deal with newborns.

Responding quickly and correctly in emergencies and providing fast transport routes can save lives. At the same time, this helps avoid the high resulting social costs. The Romanian population and tourists visiting the country also benefit from the improved rescue services.

Thanks to this project, the operational capabilities of the Romanian air rescue service will be on a par with other European air rescue organisations. With its long-standing experience and high quality standards by in-ternational comparison, REGA is making a lasting contribution to improving the quality of the Romanian air rescue service.

CHF 1.5 million

Switzerland supports the project with around CHF 1.5 million from its thematic fund for activities in the area of health. The fund provides CHF 10 million to four health projects intended to increase people’s access to health and social services, and to improve those services.

No Rega patron contributions are being used to fund this project. The financing is mainly provided by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).