Air Zermatt and KWRO rescuers honoured at the Federal Palace

Representing all the emergency personnel involved, Tizian Gruber, pilot at Air Zermatt, Richard Lehner, rescue specialist from Zermatt, and Rolf Trachsel, rescue specialist from Saas-Fee, accepted the award.

Hours-long rescue operation on the Lagginhorn

The rescue operation on the Lagginhorn ranks among the most complex rescues of recent years. In mid-July 2025, two mountaineers found themselves in a life-threatening situation on the Lagginhorn. Just below the summit, they were caught off guard by a sudden change in the weather. Stormy conditions, dense fog and cold temperatures made it impossible for them to continue on their own. The two mountaineers were exhausted, and under these conditions the descent was no longer manageable.

After the alarm was raised, Air Zermatt and the rescue specialists of KWRO began an operation lasting several hours under extremely difficult visibility and weather conditions. In the air, the Air Zermatt crews had to draw on all their experience. On the mountain, the rescue specialists were required to move through challenging terrain. The condition of one of the two rescued persons was particularly dramatic: they were severely hypothermic and had to be resuscitated.

Award ceremony at the Federal Palace

On Friday, more than a dozen rescuers involved in the operation were honoured in the federal capital. In her laudatory speech, Greta Gysin, President of the Carnegie Foundation and National Councillor for the Green Party, paid tribute to the extraordinary commitment and great courage shown by the rescuers on the Lagginhorn. She emphasised that their actions were marked by determination and selfless willingness to help. Under difficult conditions, they placed themselves at the service of others and impressively demonstrated what moral courage means.

Teamwork as the key to the rescue

“This medal belongs to the entire team,” says Tizian Gruber, pilot at Air Zermatt. “Only together were we able to carry out this rescue.” Richard Lehner, rescue specialist from Zermatt, also underlines the importance of teamwork: “On the mountain, every move counted. We were able to rely on each other completely.” For Rolf Trachsel, rescue specialist from Saas-Fee, one thing is clear: “Everyone involved was needed. That was the only way we were able to rescue the two mountaineers.”

The Carnegie Foundation

The Carnegie Foundation for Lifesavers was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1912. It honours people who save others while putting their own life or health at risk. In Switzerland, the Lifesaver Medal of the Carnegie Foundation is one of the most significant awards for extraordinary acts of rescue.