144 - Your emergency number
Anyone can suddenly find themselves in a situation where they need to call for or provide help. The most important thing to do is to stay calm and call 144. The national day of action on 14 April raises public awareness of the emergency number 144 and at the same time raises understanding of the importance of a functioning rescue chain. It is crucial to know the emergency number 144 - because every second counts in an emergency.
If you dial 144 in Valais, you will reach the cantonal rescue organisation KWRO. Depending on the emergency, the appropriate rescue resources are coordinated from there - including the helicopters and ambulances of Air Zermatt. Especially in time-critical emergencies such as cardiovascular arrest, chest pain, stroke, acute respiratory distress or severe trauma, rapid treatment is life-saving. The so-called rescue chain ensures that patients with acute, life-threatening illnesses or injuries receive the help they need as quickly as possible. This rescue chain begins with rapid alerting via the emergency number 144 and includes professional pre-hospital care by rescue services such as Air Zermatt as well as rapid transport to hospital.
Dialling 144 - the first step to rescue
The population plays a central role in this rescue chain. Even dialling the emergency number 144 quickly can be crucial in an emergency. The KWRO dispatchers give callers instructions for immediate life-saving measures until the emergency services arrive. It is therefore important to know the 144 number and to dial it without hesitation in an emergency.
For over 55 years, Air Zermatt has stood for fast and professional help from the air. With state-of-the-art equipment and experienced crews, it makes a significant contribution to the rescue chain in Valais. The KWRO ensures the targeted deployment of rescue helicopters and ambulances as well as specialists who fly with the Air Zermatt helicopters during rescues in difficult terrain.