Emergency flight a success due to weather tech

Rescue helicopter Rega 3 was able to fly a patient through bad weather and poor visibility to deliver them to the Bern University Hospital Les Eplatures Airport, Switzerland thanks to accurate meteorological data supplied by a Rega weather station.

At 21:00 hrs on 14 June, a medical emergency at the Airport meant a male patient needed an urgent transferal to the hospital. The man was driven by ground ambulance and then transferred to the helicopter. During the flight, however, weather conditions worsened, making it impossible for the crew to see out of the windows.

The weather station, located at Bern University Hospital, was able to transmit updates directly into the cockpit of the helicopter. The pilot used this information to decide that the flight was safe to navigate under instrument flight rules (IFR). Operatives at the Les Eplatures Airport were also able to lend a hand, staying after hours to help relay vital information to the flight crew.

The patient was then flown via the fastest route to the hospital.