Lima 1 in action:
the Air Zermatt ambulance service
Air Zermatt is renowned for its spectacular rescue missions by helicopter. But not so many people know that Air Zermatt not only rescues by air, but also helps on the ground with its own ambulance service for the inner Matter Valley. Two flight paramedics are on call around the clock at the base in Zermatt. And they only leave the base when the call comes for Lima 1, or Lima 2.
Coffee, Colleagues, Checks
This morning, we’re spending some time with Brendan Sarbach. His shift starts at 8.00 a.m. on the dot, and sometimes lasts 24 hours, occasionally even 48. His day begins with three C’s – coffee, colleagues, checks – which involves taking time for a coffee and a quick debrief with the previous shift. The night was a quiet one, a rare occurrence here as the nighttime is when the paramedics are more likely to be called out for an emergency. Lots of patients dial the emergency number 144 directly, and the dispatchers then decide whether to alert the Air Zermatt ambulance.
Lima 1 and Lima 2: ready for action
Brendan gets started with the routine checks. “We go over everything when we come on shift,” he explains. Are all the medications on board? Is the monitor working? Is all the equipment in place? Every second counts in an emergency, and good organization is vital.
Air Zermatt’s two ambulances have the call signs Lima 1 and Lima 2. Lima 1 is the primary rescue ambulance, while Lima 2 is often used in winter as a transport vehicle, for example for moving patients from the bottom station of the ski lifts to a doctor or as a backup when Lima 1 is already in use.
When the roads are too narrow
In the winter, snow sports accidents are almost a daily occurrence, and a fall on the slopes can easily result in injury. Brendan Sarbach recalls the recent winter months: “Injured knee, shoulders, broken ribs. There’s always something.”
In Zermatt, however, gaining access to provide the care that is needed is often more complicated than you’d think. Narrow roads, lots of pedestrians, very little room for maneuver – Zermatt is a complicated place for an ambulance. Quite often the vehicle has to be left behind, explains Sarbach. “Sometimes we can’t get close enough to the patient,” he says. “Then we carry the material on foot, or the patient is collected directly by helicopter.”
A modern fleet for rapid assistance
Air Zermatt’s ambulance fleet is in constant use, with the ambulance being called out over 1,000 times to help people in distress. The ambulances will soon be upgraded with new vehicles that will offer even better support for the crew.
Every callout is assigned to one of three categories depending on the urgency: P1 is the highest level of alert, and here it’s a matter of life and death, so the ambulance sets off with its lights and siren. P2 means no immediate risk to life but an acute need for action, and P3 callouts are scheduled trips – when the ski patrol orders an ambulance for later, for example. In a serious emergency, every second counts. In life-threatening cases, patients in Zermatt are taken by ambulance to the heliport and flown by helicopter to the nearest hospital, with air and ground services working hand in hand.
Despite all the challenges, Brendan enjoys his work. “We help people who need help. This is really rewarding,” he says. The combination of responsibility, teamwork and knowing you’re making a difference makes this job very special.
Once again, Air Zermatt demonstrates how its crew are always on hand to provide assistance. Not only in the air, but wherever they’re needed – whether on the ski slopes, in the village or at the breakfast table.
