Note: the texts under all the headings, with the exception of 'Results achieved', describe the situation before the start of the project.
REGA trains pilots in the Romanian air rescue service

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
|
- 28 pilots trained in individual flight and crew training in FFS (Full Flight Simulator) in Switzerland
- 4 Romanian pilots and other 4 hoist operators and 5 rescue men trained as trainers in HHO (Helicopter Hoist Operations) flights
- Other Swiss Non-profit Organisation
- Swiss Air-Rescue Rega; Zurich Airport
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Unallocated / Unspecified
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Sectors not specified
Aid Type Enlargement contribution
Project number 7F08516
Background |
SMURD (Mobile Emergency Service for Resuscitation and Extrication) is a joint venture between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Administration and Interior involving county emergency hospitals and fire services when it comes to ground interventions. When it comes to air rescue, the SMURD structure is integrated with the General Inspectorate of Aviation, part of the Ministry of Administration and Interior. SMURD has been in contact with Rega since 2007 when a mission by the then chief pilot of Rega has taken place at the request of SMURD to take stock of the air rescue and its needs for improved training in order to avoid incidents. |
Objectives |
The goal is to assist in the setting up of a reliable, safe and professional air rescue service system for the Romanian people and the visiting tourists to ensure medical support in emergencies, irrespective of location and time, by using state-of-the-art procedures including day and night operation and helicopter hoist operation.The project is intended as a major capacity building project to achieve a lasting impact on the professionalism, quality and safety of the Romanian SMURD air rescue operation. |
Activities |
The project has the following operations elements:(i): Aviation Competences; (ii): Train the Trainer Course for 2 SMURD Flight Instructors; (iii): Simulation Training; (iv): Training on the Job (Flight Training in Romania); (v): Organisational Competences; (vi): Medical Competences; (vii): Maintenance Competences; (viii): Development of a Mission Partners Training Programme for SMURD |
Results |
Achieved results: Swiss Air-Rescue Rega organised and coordinated further training for Romanian pilots. 34 helicopter pilots improved their skills by taking part in 47 piloting training modules. Another 30 aircraft maintenance and flight mechanics were also given basic security training. Results from previous phases: |
Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
Credit area |
Swiss Contribution to the enlarged EU |
Project partners |
Contract partner Swiss Non-profit Organisation |
Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 1’500’800 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 1’491’956 |
Project phases |
Phase 1 01.09.2012 - 31.12.2016 (Completed) |
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).