Zermatt possesses its own well-equipped heliport and its own helicopter company AIR ZERMATT Ltd., which is famous far beyond the borders of Switzerland for its pioneering work in alpine air-rescue. The heliport is situated at the entrance to Zermatt, where 4 helicopters are based. Another 4 helicopters are based further down the Rhone valley between Visp and Raron and at the Sion airport.These highly-equipped helicopters are on stand-by day and night throughout the year ready to fly injured skiers or mountaineers to a doctor or a hospital. A helicopter is also the quickest and gentlest way of transporting acute cases. An experienced doctor accompanies the crew. This means that a sick or injured person can be flown to a doctor in the village within minutes, or to one of the well-equipped Valais hospitals in 12 to 15 minutes. In cases where weather conditions prevent the helicopter from flying, the ambulance service takes over.