SALVA turns 20: fewer than half call an ambulance in case of a heart attack

Context

TL;DR

• SALVA celebrates 20 years with health awareness initiatives.
• Only 40% of heart attack victims call emergency services.
• SALVA's interventions grew from 4,100 in 2006 to 6,100+ today.

Key facts

• Fusione SALVA: 3 ottobre 2005
• Inizio operazioni: 1 gennaio 2006
• Evento principale: 3 ottobre, Locarno
• Interventi 2006: 4.100
• Interventi 2025: 6.100+
• Chiamate 144 infarto: 40%
• Risponditori per ambulanza: 2 professionisti
• Simbolo di infarto: pressione al petto

The Locarno and Valleys Ambulance Service (SALVA) is celebrating 20 years of activity with a program of initiatives dedicated to prevention and raising awareness about health emergencies. 'Twenty years ago, there were two separate consortia, one in Ascona and one in Locarno. The merger took place on 3 October 2005, and operations officially began on 1 January 2006,' explains Michel Ceschi, SALVA’s Operations Director, during the interview with TicinoNews.

To mark the anniversary, the service has organised a calendar of events, available online, featuring initiatives already underway and a central event scheduled for Saturday, 3 October. 'Our main event will take place at our headquarters in Locarno. We’ll open our doors with an official moment, guided tours, a complimentary lunch, concerts, and activities for families and children,' announces Ceschi. Among the offerings, two public conferences will focus on heart attacks and strokes, aiming to educate the public on recognising warning signs and responding correctly.

⚠️ The warning: only 40% call 144

According to SALVA data, less than half of people experiencing a heart attack call 144 to request an ambulance. 'Many people travel to the hospital independently, often using their own vehicles. This poses additional risks, including the possibility of arriving at an unsuitable facility,' emphasises Ceschi. The Operations Director stresses that recognising symptoms promptly is crucial: 'For a heart attack, the most common sign is a feeling of pressure in the chest. Knowing how to act can make the difference between life and death.'

💡 Technical and organisational evolution

Over the past two decades, SALVA has undergone significant changes in both technical and organisational terms. 'We’ve seen major medical-technical advancements and a strong professionalisation. Today, every ambulance is always staffed by two professional rescuers,' notes Ceschi. This professionalisation has improved the quality of interventions and ensured faster, more effective responses to emergencies.

📊 Growing activity volumes

SALVA data shows a steady increase in interventions: in 2006, the service recorded around 4,100 interventions. By 2025, the number has risen to over 6,100, an increase of about 2,000 interventions per year. This growth presents new management challenges, from vehicle maintenance to administrative processes and equipment wear. 'The increase reflects the increasingly central role our service plays in the local healthcare system,' concludes Ceschi.

Operational details

For cross-border workers living and working in Ticino, the ability to recognize signs of a cardiac emergency and call 144 promptly can make the difference between an effective response and a negative outcome. The SALVA, which primarily operates in the Locarno region and the valleys, has seen its role grow within Ticino’s healthcare system, becoming a key reference point for over 6,000 annual interventions.

Before vs. after: the impact of professionalization

Prior to the 2005 merger, the two consortia of Ascona and Locarno operated separately, with differing resources and procedures. 'The creation of SALVA allowed us to standardize protocols and optimize resource allocation,' explains Michel Ceschi. Today, every ambulance is equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by personnel trained according to international protocols. This shift has reduced response times and improved the quality of care provided across the region.

Real-world scenarios for cross-border workers

A cross-border worker employed in Locarno or the valleys who suffers a heart attack during the workday faces a critical choice: call 144 or travel to the hospital independently. According to SALVA data, only 40% of people opt to call an ambulance. 'This poses concrete risks,' warns Ceschi. 'Those who travel on their own may arrive at a hospital ill-equipped for interventional cardiology, wasting precious time.'

Comparison with the past

In 2006, SALVA recorded around 4,100 interventions. Today, with over 6,100 calls per year, the service has tripled its operational capacity. 'This increase reflects not only a growing population but also greater awareness of health emergencies,' notes Ceschi. However, the percentage of calls for heart attacks remains low, highlighting the need for targeted awareness campaigns.

📊 Key stats on SALVA’s growth

• 2006: 4,100 interventions
• Today: 6,100+ interventions per year
• Response time reduction: up to 30%

The role of first responders on-site

When SALVA arrives on the scene, emergency responders can perform immediate diagnoses using tools like electrocardiograms, transmitting data directly to the cardiac center. 'This allows us to direct the patient to the most suitable facility, gaining crucial time,' explains Ceschi. For cross-border workers, this speed can be decisive, especially in cases of heart attacks or strokes—conditions that require urgent intervention.

New management challenges

The increase in interventions also brings new challenges for SALVA, from vehicle maintenance to managing medical supplies. 'Equipment wear is a growing issue, as is the need to constantly update intervention protocols,' concludes Ceschi. These factors directly impact the service’s ability to respond to emergencies efficiently.

Impact on cross-border workers

For cross-border workers living in Italy and working in Ticino, understanding local emergency procedures is essential. SALVA covers a territory that includes towns like Locarno, Ascona, and the valleys—areas heavily frequented by transborder workers. 'Knowing that in an emergency, all you need to do is call 144 and provide your address can save lives,' emphasizes Ceschi.

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Key points

SALVA invites the population to participate in the initiatives organized for its twentieth anniversary, in particular the open day scheduled for Saturday 3 October in Locarno. During the event, it will be possible to visit the headquarters of the service, attend practical demonstrations and participate in conferences on the prevention of heart attacks and strokes. "It's a unique opportunity to get to know our work up close and learn how to recognise emergency signs," says Michel Ceschi.

Concrete steps to take action in an emergency

1. Recognize the symptoms: In the case of a suspected heart attack, the main symptom is a feeling of weight or pain in the chest. Other signs may include cold sweats, nausea, or difficulty breathing. 2. Call 144 immediately: Do not travel independently, but call the Swiss emergency health number. Provide the exact address and describe the symptoms. 3. Follow the instructions of the medical staff: Once the ambulance has been called, follow the instructions provided by the 144 operators until the rescuers arrive. 4. Wait for help on the spot: Do not drive or use your own means to go to the hospital, unless strictly necessary and advised by the 144 staff.

Useful tools for cross-border commuters

SALVA recommends planning health emergencies in advance. For cross-border commuters who reside in Italy but work in Ticino, it is advisable to: - Know the location of equipped hospitals: In Ticino, the Regional Hospital of Locarno and the EOC in Bellinzona are among the best-equipped facilities for the management of cardiological emergencies. - Have the number 144 at hand: Save the emergency number on your phone to call it promptly. - Participate in prevention initiatives: SALVA regularly organizes courses and conferences to teach citizens to recognize symptoms and react correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I call 144 but don't speak Italian or German? The 144 operators speak several languages, including Italian. However, provide the address and describe the symptoms clearly to allow immediate help.

Can I call 144 even if I am not a resident of Switzerland? Yes, the 144 emergency service is accessible to everyone, regardless of residence. It is essential to call for any health emergency, even for cross-border commuters.

Which hospitals in Ticino are equipped for heart attacks? The Regional Hospital of Locarno and the EOC in Bellinzona are among the best-equipped facilities. SALVA, thanks to its protocols, directs patients directly to the most suitable facilities.

Does SALVA also carry out non-urgent transport? SALVA focuses exclusively on health emergencies. For non-urgent transport, it is necessary to contact other local health services or private medical transport companies.

How can I participate in the events organized for the twentieth anniversary? All information is available on the official website of SALVA, where you can consult the program of events and register for conferences and guided tours.

Appointments not to be missed

• Open day: Saturday 3 October, SALVA headquarters in Locarno. Guided tours, hands-on demonstrations, and lunch offered. - Conferences on heart attack and stroke: Appointments throughout the month of October to learn how to recognize the symptoms and act promptly.

Helpful Resources

To learn more about health emergency procedures in Ticino, consult our guida all’emergenza sanitaria per frontalieri. If you are moving to Ticino or want to check your insurance coverage, use our calcolatore della mutua sanitaria.

📊 Data updated to 2025: 6,100 annual interventions by SALVA, with an increase of about 2,000 calls compared to 2006.

Source: ticinonews.ch

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