Stefan Portenier: “I’ve found my dream job”

Stefan, why did you become a flight paramedic at Air Zermatt?

I had already gained a brief impression of everyday life as a flight paramedic during my time on ski patrol and through the missions I attended as an ambulance driver. However, the search for a company with a free training space was more difficult than expected – even though my vocational training place was already assured. When the head paramedic at Air Zermatt heard about the situation, he spontaneously sent me on a two-day trial placement in the helicopter. After that, the case was clear. Within ten days the training position was confirmed and I registered for the vocational training course.

What did you find most challenging during your years of training?

The combination of specialist expertise like anatomy, which you need to learn very quickly, and work in the helicopter led to many challenging situations at first.

Unlike in other training companies, at Air Zermatt you’re assigned to the helicopter as an established member of the crew from the very start – there’s no kid-glove treatment (laughs). However, this is also a great opportunity because you’re working side-by-side with the doctor right from the outset.

Do you remember your first missions as a qualified flight paramedic?

In terms of crew composition in the helicopter not much had changed – but in the ambulance I had to take on more responsibility.

One mission made a real impression on me – my most challenging to date. It was an accident at Fiescheralp; a child had ended up under a snowmobile. The case was not only emotional, it was also challenging from a medical point of view. It’s always an exceptional situation when children are involved. We needed all our resources and we fought for the child’s life. Missions like that make an impression and stick in your mind.

Which missions at Air Zermatt did you enjoy the most?

Unusual injuries are not only challenging, but also provide new experiences. When accidents happen in high alpine areas, there is a lot more to consider than just medical treatment. That’s what makes the day-to-day work at Air Zermatt so interesting.

Have you developed a routine over the years to allow you to remain calm even in hectic situations?

It’s funny, because you personally always feel as though you’re not calm at all. That’s probably a result of the impulsive yet well-considered decisions that you have to make within a very short space of time. You are full of adrenaline, but appear composed to the people around you.

Expertise, experience and the good team work with colleagues definitely help to calm your nerves when completing a mission.

Which missions will you not miss when you’re in the city?

Although the high alpine missions brought a lot of variety, there were various evacuations that left us swimming in bureaucracy. Particularly when foreign tourists are involved, the administrative effort is huge.

How would you assess the rescue system in Upper Valais?

Its size makes it intimate and personal, but also uncomplicated. Everybody knows one another and works hand in hand. There is certainly potential for change, but those working in the rescue service are also open to this.

Soon, you will no longer be taking part in any helicopter rescues. How does the future look for you?

I am starting a new job at a city rescue service, so I’ll be staying on the ground in an ambulance. I’m looking forward to it because the patients will be completely different. New diagnoses, new cases, new experiences. At Air Zermatt, the focus is on accidents and trauma – while in the ambulance service I will have more opportunities to deal with medical backgrounds and clinical pictures.

I am also looking forward to getting to know a new company and expanding my horizon.

Do you remember your best experience?

The best part for me was always when we flew over the clouds at sunrise or sunset following a successful day or night.

How do you feel as you leave Air Zermatt?

There is a lot that I will miss about Air Zermatt. It was an influential, extremely informative time and I have fond memories of my years there and friendships made. I am looking forward to starting something new, but this kind of change always involves a certain amount of nerves. I’m most apprehensive about city traffic – that’s certain to be a challenge after car-free Zermatt (laughs).

If you could start over, would you choose your career again?

You arrive in the morning with no idea what the day holds. I still find this exciting. So, yes I would! Being a paramedic is 100% my dream job.

Any final words for our readers?

It was a fantastic time with all the people I developed relationships with over the years, both within the company and among our partners. I will definitely miss it.