Rega utilises SMS location service for rescue

Swiss air-rescue company Rega successfully rescued two hikers near Kandersteg, Switzerland. The pair came into trouble at around 1,400m when one of them collapsed.

The other hiker quickly alerted Rega using their mobile phone, but due to the dense forest around them, was unable to give a precise location. In these situations, if a hiker has the Rega app, the team would be able to locate the hiker’s phone but unfortunately, they did not have it downloaded. However, the company was able to utilise a thrid option: its Rega Alarm Web (RAW) system. It texted a link to the hiker which, when opened, started transmitting their position to the Rega team.

A rescue helicopter stationed at Rega’s base at Wilderswil was then quickly dispatched to pick up the hikers. A doctor was able to stabilise the patient before bringing them to the nearest hospital.