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When reporting an accident the following information will need to be given:

 your name

 location and telephone number

 name of victim

 nature of injury

 exact location

 weather conditions at accident site

 any obstacles in the accident area (eg cables) which could hamper helicopter evacuation.

Established in 1952 the Swiss air rescue service REGA provides emergency medical assistance throughout Switzerland from its operations centre in Zürich. Its red-and-white helicopters carry a medic and paramedic, and the call-out number is 1414. A non-profit foundation, REGA relies on donations and patronage for its funding. Do not request helicopter assistance for non-serious accidents.

The following signals are used to communicate with a helicopter:

International Mountain Distress Signal

(to be used in an emergency only)

Six blasts on a whistle (and flashes with a torch at night) spaced evenly for one minute, followed by a minute’s pause. In the event of no whistle being available, wave a brightly coloured item of clothing six times a minute, then wait a minute. Repeat until located by a rescuer.