Fire in Crans-Montana: European Assistance in Patient Transfer

Press Release from the Federal Office of Civil Protection
Published on January 4, 2026

Summary

Following the fire in Crans-Montana, 35 severely burned patients were transferred to specialized clinics in Belgium, Germany, France, and Italy thanks to the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). Switzerland activated the European civil protection mechanism due to insufficient domestic capacity for long-term treatment of burn injuries. International solidarity was impressive: 22 European countries offered assistance.

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Detailed Summary

Background and Context

Following the fire in Crans-Montana on January 2, 2026, initial care of all injured persons was ensured in Swiss hospitals. However, due to the high number of patients with severe burns, the capacity of Swiss clinics for optimal long-term treatment proved insufficient. This led to the activation of the UCPM, the European mechanism for extraordinary events.

Patient Transfers

Between January 2 and 3, 2026, a total of 35 persons were transferred to specialized European clinics:

• 7 persons to Belgium
• 7 persons to Germany
• 15 persons to France
• 6 persons to Italy
• 3 additional patients were scheduled for transport to Italy and France

The following criteria were considered when selecting destination countries:

• Geographic proximity to Switzerland (particularly for Swiss patients)
• Language comprehension
• Family connections in the destination country
• Availability of specialized treatment capacity

All transfers were carried out with the consent of relatives.

Logistical Implementation

Transport was carried out with a high degree of specialization:

• Air transport: Ambulance aircraft and helicopters were deployed
• Specialist personnel: Specialists from Italy, France, Romania, Luxembourg, and Rega accompanied the transports
• On-site support: Specialized Burn Assessment Teams from France and Italy supported hospitals in Lausanne and Valais
• Coordination: The European Emergency Response Coordination Center (ERCC) coordinated operations; liaison officers were stationed in Bern at the National Alert Center

International Solidarity

22 European countries offered assistance:

Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Croatia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Turkey, and Hungary provided treatment beds, air transport, and/or Burn Assessment Teams.

Further Perspective

The possibility of support via the UCPM remains available for 90 days after application. Further necessary transports will be handled through regular structures. The National Network for Disaster Medicine (KATAMED) coordinates ongoing care and exchange with the ERCC.

Key Messages

• Switzerland successfully activated the European civil protection mechanism to manage the mass casualty incident of burn victims
• 35 severely burned patients were transferred to specialized clinics in four countries within two days
• International cooperation proceeded smoothly and efficiently
• 22 European countries demonstrated great solidarity through concrete offers of assistance
• Managing such disasters is only possible through international cooperation
• National disaster plans form the basis for European coordination mechanisms
• Switzerland was able to draw on KATAMED processes that were still in development

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