Why a Helicopter at a Ski Resort?

Abstract

Avoriaz, a third generation ski-resort, located in the French Northern Alps, has been using, since the 1983/1984 winter season, a helicopter as a means of transportation for injured people. The Medical Center is located in the very heart of the resort and, moreover, in the very heart of a chair-lift network connecting 14 resorts. The helicopter is not used in every type of rescue, but it is used in about ¼ of them either for primary transportation for technical reasons or for secondary transportation. The use of the helicopter did not significantly increase the transportation costs but resulted in greater comfort both for the injured people, who were quickly rescued, and for the doctor. Indeed, because of quick transport, the doctor can take immediate care for the injured person who, consequently, does not get greatly chocked, suffer long, or suffer from cold.