Re: [Paddlewise] Who Picks Up the Rescue Tab?

From: Kevin Dyer <kd.dyer_at_bluewin.ch>
Date: Wed, 01 Dec 2004 21:58:00 +0100
Dirk Barends wrote:

>Which wilderness and what countries in Europe are you talking about?
>
>And what do you mean by rescue insurance
>  
>
Sorry for what may be a late reply. In Switzerland,  rescue (usually 
mountain, but also road accident and navigable waters) by helicopter is 
done by a semi-private organisation called the "REGA". They run 
helicopters and air ambulances. If you are a member of their 
organisation (about USD 60/year) they will rescue you free of charge 
from anywhere in Swiss territory. Their service is extended to bringing 
members that are ill or accident victims back from abroad in what is 
literally an intensive-care equipped ambulance plane. It is considered a 
cheap and extremely effective insurance. They average 15 minutes from 
distress call to arrival on site. Of course,  it can take hours for 
someone to reach a place from where they can call for help!

Cheers,
Kevin.
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Received on Wed Dec 01 2004 - 12:58:29 PST

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