REGE put into service Thursday at Blécherette airport in Lausanne the very first helicopter of its future new fleet. This will be fully renewed by the end of 2026, for a total amount of 200 million francs.
21 new Airbus H145 D3 type helicopters with five blades will replace the current fleet. “This is the biggest project to acquire the history of Reg Rega,” said David Suchet, spokesperson for the Swiss Rescue Air Gate.
The new helicopter is one of the most modern models in the world, according to Rega. It differs in particular thanks to its additional blade. More powerful, it improves the efficiency and safety of rescue interventions, it is said.
“Unrivaled comfort”
“This device offers unrivaled comfort for both patients and crews,” said Mario Agustoni, chief pilot and management member. “This fifth pale makes it possible to significantly reduce vibrations during flights,” he explains.
Among the technological advances, there is a advanced navigation system which allows better precision. A new lighting system has also been added, necessary for night interventions, which represent approximately a quarter of some 800 annual missions carried out by the Lausanne crew.
The Airbus H145 D3 model with five blades is modular and versatile. The cabin has been completely redesigned to improve patient care.
A device designed “tailor -made”
“It is a real intensive care unit adapted for all types of patients, from newborn to the elderly,” said Alexandre Kottmann, an emergency doctor at REG. The cabin also includes a new medical equipment storage system. “This new helicopter also represents an opportunity for medicine to test innovative ideas in rescue,” he added.
For almost two years, a multidisciplinary team explored the different possible improvements, based on feedback. “This device was therefore made to measure for us,” said Mario Agustoni.
Donor financial contribution
The crews have also followed specific training to familiarize themselves with this new helicopter, operational on Thursday. The Lausanne base is the first to benefit from this new model. The entire fleet will be gradually replaced on the fourteen BADS intervention bases in Switzerland.
The total cost of this renewal amounts to 200 million francs. REGRA also indicates that this project is possible thanks to the financial contribution of donors. The old machines will be sold in Morocco and New Zealand.
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