Medical Emergencies

Hike the Haute Route Prepared

Hiking in the Alps and trekking on the Hiker's Haute Route is about as safe and worry-free as any outdoor adventure can be. Still, it comes with the risks inherent in any outdoor activity. Alpenwild guides are experienced outdoor leaders and have received advanced emergency wilderness medical training as Wilderness First Responders. As a result of this preparation and a concern for your safety, we have never had a serious accident or injury on one of our trips.

The safest hiker in the Alps is a prepared hiker. So as you prepare for your trip, review the following instructions. Additionally, self-guided hikers should carry with them the following contacts for emergency medical services and hospitals in the areas they hike.

Emergency Evacuation Instructions

• In the event of a serious accident or medical emergency, have someone remain with the participant.
• If there is a mountain hut, inn, farm, or house nearby, seek assistance there.
• The international distress call is a series of six signals (blasts on a whistle or horn, and after dark, flashes with a light) spaced evenly for a minute, followed by a one minute pause. Then repeat with an additional six signals. The reply is three signals followed by a minute's pause.
• Call the Police (117) or 1414 which calls out a helicopter rescue (REGA). This should be used only if absolutely necessary.

Medical Services

Medical Services in Valais (For Haute Route Hikers)

Le Chable (Between Verbier and Martigny; closest doctor to Fionnay & Louvie)Verbier
Cabinet Médical Square Poste
Medical Centre - Dr F Gay-Crosier (English speaking)
Verbier, CH 1936
+41 (0) 277 71 70 01

Dr. Gilbert Bruchez (English speaking)
La Châble, CH 1934
+41 (0) 277 76 22 23

Zermatt
Dr. Christian Bannwart
Bahnhofplatz 6,
Zermatt, CH 3920
Tel. +41 (0)27 967 11 88 "Ž

Dr. Jeannette Bieler-Hischier
Getwingstrasse 30,
Zermatt, CH 3920
Tel. +41 (0)27 967 44 77

Hospitals in Valais

Martigny (Western Valais - About 20 minutes from Verbier)
Hôpital Régional de Martigny
Avenue de la Fusion 27
Martigny, CH 1920
Tel. +41 (0)27 603 9000

Sion (Central Valais - about 20 minutes from Arolla, Dix, Val d,Hérens)
Hôpital Régional de Sion
Avenue Grand-Champsec 80
Sion, CH 1951
Tel. + 41-(0)27 603 4000

Sierre/Siders (Central Valais - about 30 minutes from Grimentz, Gruben, Val d,Anniviers)
Hôpital de Sierre/Spital Siders
Rue de Plantzette 51
Sierre, CH 3960
Tel. +41 (0)27 603 79 68

Visp (Upper, Eastern Valais)
Regional Spital Santa Maria
Terbinerstrasse 45
Visp, CH
Tel. +41 (0)27 946 8099

Nearby Medical Services in Jungfrau Region

Lauterbrunnen
Dr. Bruno Durrer (English speaking)
Dokterhu (near the Jungfrau Hotel)
3822 Lauterbrunnen
+41 33 856 26 27

Wengen
Dr. U. Allenspach (English speaking)
Haus Arba
Wengen, CH 3823
Tel. +41 33 856 28 28

Hospital in Jungfrau Region

Interlaken (about 15 minutes from Lauterbrunnen & Grindelwald)
Spital Interlaken
Weissenaustrasse 27
Unterseen, Interlaken, CH 3800
+41 33 826 25 00