REGA founder in the Swiss Supply Chain Hall of Fame

The jury of the Swiss Supply Chain Hall of Fame has elected Dr. Rudolf Bucher and Fritz Bühler, the founders of the Swiss Air Rescue Service “REGA,” as its 22nd and 23rd members. Member number 24, or perhaps 24 and 25, will be kept secret until the event, which will take place this year on September 23 at the Campussaal in Brugg/Windisch.

(Dietikon) The members of the Swiss Supply Chain Hall of Fame number 22 and 23 have been confirmed. Posthumously, the founders of the Swiss Air Rescue Service REGA have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Dr. Rudolf Bucher was a Swiss physician who became well-known for his role as a co-founder of the Swiss Air Rescue Service REGA. He was a visionary pioneer in the field of air rescue and recognized early on the importance of rapid medical assistance in emergencies, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas of Switzerland. Together with his colleague Fritz Bühler, he advocated for the establishment of a system that would enable medical assistance from the air to quickly and efficiently save lives.

Fritz Bühler was a Swiss entrepreneur and co-founder of REGA. As a pilot and aviation enthusiast, he played a crucial role in the development of the air rescue system. Together with Dr. Bucher, he conceived the idea of creating a rescue flight service network that would allow for the rapid and safe transport of accident victims and sick individuals in emergencies. Bühler contributed his expertise in aviation and practical experience to the founding of the organization.

Foundation of REGA in 1952

REGA (Air Rescue Service) was founded in 1952 after Dr. Rudolf Bucher and Fritz Bühler turned their vision into reality. They began providing medical emergency assistance from the air with a small aircraft and a handful of volunteers.

The Connection Between REGA and Logistics

REGA (Swiss Air Rescue Service) is one of the most renowned air rescue organizations in the world, and its work is based not only on medical expertise and state-of-the-art technologies but also on well-thought-out logistics.

1. Speed and Accessibility as a Logistical Challenge

REGA aims to provide rapid medical assistance from the air at any time and anywhere in Switzerland—and in some cases beyond.

Logistics plays a central role in this, particularly the geographical accessibility of emergency locations. REGA’s network of aircraft and helicopters is strategically distributed throughout Switzerland, allowing the emergency teams to typically reach the scene within minutes of an emergency call. This requires precise flight planning that considers not only the fastest route to the scene but also factors such as weather conditions, flight restrictions, and airspace availability.

2. Material Logistics and Emergency Equipment

In addition to geographical logistics, material logistics is also of central importance. Each REGA rescue mission requires a variety of medical devices and equipment that often need to be transported to difficult terrain or remote locations. REGA’s helicopters are equipped with specialized medical equipment, including intensive care devices, ventilators, defibrillators, and medications. A logistics team is responsible for ensuring that this equipment is always ready for use and in perfect condition. This includes regular maintenance, checks, and reordering of consumables.

3. Coordination of Resources and Teamwork

The coordination of emergency personnel and the logistics behind the scenes is another important aspect of REGA’s work. Once an emergency call is received, it is processed in the operations center, which collects all relevant information and forwards it to the appropriate helicopter crews, doctors, and rescue teams. A logistics system ensures that the right people and equipment are transported to the scene as quickly as possible. A key part of this process is close collaboration with other emergency services, such as the police, fire department, and ambulance services, to optimally coordinate all resources. In international missions or cross-border operations, customs and border logistics also play a role when assistance is provided in another country.

4. Air Rescue in an International Context

Another interesting logistical element of REGA is its international activities. It is not limited to Switzerland but is also active in many other countries, particularly in the context of holiday and mountain accidents.

5. Optimization and Use of Technology

In REGA, continuous optimization of logistical processes is of great importance. Modern IT systems support planning and decision-making. Real-time monitoring is conducted to determine which helicopters and aircraft are available, the traffic situation, and whether alternative routes or strategies are needed to expedite the rescue. Drones and telemedicine are also increasingly becoming part of REGA’s logistical concepts to provide faster and more targeted assistance. Logistics is the invisible engine that makes REGA one of the most effective and efficient air rescue organizations in the world.

Photos: © Swiss Supply Chain Hall of Fame