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Rega objects to the fact that only Air-Glaciers and Air Zermatt are allowed to fly rescue missions in Valais.
The dispute over the Valais air rescue is entering a new round. The Swiss air rescue service (Rega) has lodged a complaint with the Valais government. Rega wants to be involved in air rescue in Valais and does not accept the decision of the Valais rescue organization (KWRO).
In November, KWRO placed the order for air rescue in Valais with Air Zermatt and Air-Glaciers. This enables the “best, fastest and most efficient” care of patients, as the KWRO explained at the time.
The consequence of this decision: Rega is still not allowed to fly rescue missions in Valais, the Rhone Valley remains a restricted area for Rega.
“Poor emergency medical care in Valais”
Rega is not concerned with crowding out other organizations, according to the rescue organization in a statement published on Wednesday morning. They want to make a contribution to improving emergency medical care in Valais.
From Rega’s point of view, this is currently inadequate. “The rescue plan in the canton of Valais is in need of improvement.” Because the aid deadlines would be exceeded. In concrete terms: it always takes too long for rescue help to arrive on site. In addition, very few rescues could be carried out at night. Reason: “Lack of resources and insufficient equipment.”
The rescue organization relies on the monitoring report that KWRO itself published in autumn 2020. This shows that there is a need for additional rescue equipment in Valais.
“Gross deficiencies in the award procedure”
Rega also criticizes the award procedure. It has “gross defects”. From the outset, the award procedure was designed in such a way that the two Valais providers would be awarded the contract.
For example, the award criteria have been changed again and again, and the partly inadequate equipment of some helicopters of the Valais rescue companies was not taken into account in the award.
Biased representatives?
In addition, Rega accuses KWRO of “violating the rules on bias”. Representatives of Air Zermatt and Air-Glaciers, who are also members of the KWRO Board of Directors, were involved in the needs analysis. “It can’t be,” said Rega.
Rega’s complaint is now on the table of the Valais Council of State. If his decision is unfavorable to Rega, the rescue organization can take the case to the Federal Supreme Court.