Lombardy Rescues: Emergency Response to Crans-Montana Ski Accident
A rapid response from the Lombardy region of Italy was launched on January 1st, following a disaster in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, as Swiss hospitals urgently requested assistance. The emergency involved numerous young people suffering from severe burns and fighting for their lives.
Swift Action in the Wake of Crisis
At 10:30 AM, Areu activated the Maxiemergenze Operational Center at Soreu Metropolitana, establishing a dedicated crisis room. By 4:30 PM, air ambulances from Como, Bergamo, and Milan were dispatched to Sion, Switzerland. That same day, three young patients were transferred to the Great Burns Center at Niguarda Hospital. Over the following days, a total of 12 severely injured young people were evacuated, with the final transfer occurring on January 11, 2026.
Recognition for Extraordinary Efforts
President Attilio Fontana awarded the Rosa Camuna to Massimo Lombardo, the director general of Areu, in recognition of this extraordinary intervention. The honour was also extended to the professionals at Niguarda Hospital and the Policlinico of Milan.
The efforts centered on the dedicated crews involved in the emergency response.
Voices from the Como Air Ambulance
“We were the first helicopter to arrive at the hospital in Sion,” recounted Francesca Dimola, an anesthesiologist-resuscitator. “Despite the chaos, we found great order. It was very impactful, even on a human level, to see such young people in such serious clinical condition. It’s a great responsibility, faced through years of preparation and passion for this work.”
Alessandro Picone, a nurse, emphasized the delicate nature of the flights. “Being among the first to arrive meant dealing with an extremely delicate secondary transfer, both clinically and technically. We’re talking about unstable patients, severe burns, in an organizational context different from our own. We are prepared for this, but there is always a significant sense of responsibility. I take a lot away from this experience, not only professionally but also humanely: witnessing young people the age of our children in such critical conditions leaves a mark. It was also a demonstration of a system that worked very well, thanks to the collaboration between all those involved.”
The Maxiemergenze Operational Center remained active with dedicated support until January 6th, and then continued in a standby capacity. A Burn Assessment Team, jointly from Niguarda and Areu, was also sent to Switzerland to assist in patient selection, assess flight suitability, and provide support to families.
The Text of the Rosa Camuna 2026 Award
The award citation recognised the team for “demonstrating in rescue, resuscitation and care operations, following the tragedy in Crans-Montana, the ability to operate with speed, competence and coordination in an extremely complex emergency and critical context.” It further stated that the team “represents an example of clinical excellence, dedication to public service and a profound sense of responsibility.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the emergency response?
A disaster in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, led to numerous young people suffering severe burns and requiring urgent medical attention, prompting a request for assistance from Swiss hospitals.
Which hospitals were involved in the response?
Niguarda Hospital and the Policlinico of Milan in Italy received patients, and the response was coordinated through Areu and supported by hospitals in Como, Bergamo, and Milan.
How long did the emergency operation last?
The Maxiemergenze Operational Center was actively staffed until January 6th, and remained on standby thereafter, with the final patient transfer occurring on January 11, 2026.
Given the collaborative nature of this international response, what further steps could be taken to strengthen cross-border emergency medical protocols?