Summary
Following the fire disaster in Crans-Montana, Switzerland has established two specialized Contact Teams (SCTs) and deployed them to European burn centers. The teams assess the condition and needs of 26 patients being treated in Belgium, Germany, France, and Italy. The goal is to coordinate long-term medical care and rehabilitation under the leadership of the BABS (Federal Office for Civil Protection).
Persons & Institutions
- Federal Office for Civil Protection (BABS)
- Swiss Red Cross (SRK)
- Swiss Humanitarian Aid Corps (SKH)
- Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA)
Topics
- Disaster medicine and international coordination
- Specialized burn treatment
- Rehabilitation and long-term care
- National emergency coordination
Detailed Summary
Switzerland has responded to the fire disaster in Crans-Montana with a coordinated international response. Two Swiss Contact Teams were composed of experienced specialists in burn medicine and rehabilitation. These teams consist of representatives from the National Disaster Medicine Network and receive organizational support from the Swiss Red Cross and the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Corps.
The SCTs began their work on January 21, 2026 and are initially visiting patients in Belgium and Germany. A total of 26 people are being treated in specialized European clinics: 17 with Swiss citizenship and 9 residing in Switzerland. The geographic distribution spans four countries: Belgium, Germany, France, and Italy.
The primary task of the teams is to assess medical condition, rehabilitation needs, and long-term treatment requirements. This information forms the basis for national coordination of continued treatment. The teams are supported by Swiss embassies and consulates on site.
National coordination is carried out through a comprehensive network: the three Swiss burn centers (CHUV Lausanne, University Hospital Zurich, Children's Hospital Zurich), the cantons through the Conference of Cantonal Health Directors (GDK), Suva with its specialized clinics in Bellikon and Sion, the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG), and BABS as part of the National Disaster Medicine Network KATAMED.
Key Statements
- Two specialized teams assess patient condition and rehabilitation needs in four European countries
- 26 patients are currently being treated in Belgium, Germany, France, and Italy
- National coordination through an established network of specialized centers, cantons, and federal offices
- International and national networking ensures necessary treatment capacities
- Work commenced: January 21, 2026
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Group | Role |
|---|---|
| Patients | Directly affected; benefit from specialized care |
| Burn centers (CH & abroad) | Treatment responsibility; information exchange |
| Cantons & GDK | Coordination of continued treatment |
| BABS, BAG, Suva | National coordination and resource planning |
| Swiss embassies | On-site support |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Specialized medical care in European centers | Logistical complexity across four countries |
| Early identification of rehabilitation needs | Language and cultural barriers |
| Coordinated national follow-up care | Capacity bottlenecks during transfer to CH |
| Proven disaster medicine structures | Delays due to international coordination |
Action Relevance
Relevant for decision-makers:
- Monitoring: Regular updates on patient condition and rehabilitation progress
- Capacity planning: Preparation of Swiss burn centers for transfer and long-term treatment
- Resource allocation: Ensuring adequate rehabilitation capacities (Suva clinics)
- International coordination: Continuous exchange with foreign treatment centers
- Psychosocial support: Accompanying care for patients and family members
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and figures verified
- [x] Institutions and authorities correctly named
- [x] Dates (January 21/22, 2026) consistent
- [x] Geographic information (4 countries, 26 patients) verified
- [x] No unconfirmed data present
Additional Research
- National Disaster Medicine Structures: Information on the National KATAMED Network and its operation
- Burn Treatment: Specialized centers in Switzerland and their capacities
- Rehabilitation After Burn Injuries: Standards and best practices in Europe
Bibliography
Primary Source:
Press Release – Federal Office for Civil Protection (BABS)
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/vGvVwUd3hmSOCj0MRU6sw
Published: January 22, 2026
Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on January 22, 2026
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 01.22.2026