Learn 1414 alongside 112. It is Rega, the air rescue service, and in the mountains it is the number that actually matters.
- 112 works from any phone, without a SIM and from a locked one, and reaches an English-speaking operator who routes you correctly.
- The domestic numbers are 117 police, 118 fire, 144 ambulance and 145 for poisons, with 140 for roadside assistance.
- 1414 is Rega air rescue - the mountain number - and the Rega app sends your coordinates automatically and works where placing a call is hard. In Valais, 1415 reaches Air Glaciers.
- Rega patronage at about CHF 40 a year is worth arranging before you travel, not from a ledge, since a mission averages about CHF 4,500 and the EHIC covers none of it.
- The alpine distress signal is six signals a minute, then a minute's pause, repeated; the answer is three a minute. To a helicopter, both arms up in a Y means yes, I need help.
The numbers
| Number | Service |
|---|---|
| 112 | European emergency number, works from any phone |
| 117 | Police |
| 118 | Fire brigade |
| 144 | Ambulance |
| 1414 | Rega air rescue |
| 1415 | Alpine Rescue Switzerland, and Air Glaciers in Valais |
| 145 | Poisons centre |
| 140 | Roadside assistance |
- 112 reaches an English-speaking operator and routes you correctly.
- 1414 is Rega and it is the mountain number. From a mobile with signal, or through the Rega app, which sends your coordinates automatically.
- The Rega app works even where a call is hard to place and is worth installing before you go anywhere high.
- In Valais, 1415 reaches Air Glaciers, the cantonal operator, which is the local equivalent.
What a rescue costs
- A Rega mission averages about CHF 4,500.
- Basic Swiss health insurance covers very little of it and the EHIC covers none of it.
- Rega patronage costs about CHF 40 a year. It is not insurance, but as a patron Rega can waive whatever your insurance does not pay, and it is the standard local answer.
- Do this before you travel, not from a ledge.
Alpine distress
- The alpine distress signal is six signals a minute, by whistle, torch or shout, then a minute's pause, then repeat. The answer is three signals a minute.
- If a helicopter approaches: both arms up in a Y means yes, I need help. One arm up and one down means no, I do not.
- Give your coordinates if you can. Any map app will show them.
If something goes wrong
- Theft: report at a police station and get the written report for your insurer.
- Lost passport: embassies are in Bern, with consulates in Zurich and Geneva for many countries.
- Card lost: freeze it in your banking app first.
- Road accident: call 112. Swiss law requires you to stop and to secure the scene.
- 112 works without a SIM and from a locked phone.
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