In an emergency…
…a reliable diagnosis is crucial.
In an emergency…
…competent help is key.
In an emergency…
…fast decisions are needed.
In an emergency…
…every action must be precise.
In an emergency…
…state-of-the-art medical technology is used.
In an emergency…
…family members are also cared for.
In an emergency…
…an experienced team provides expert assistance.
In an emergency…
…specialists provide treatment.
In an emergency…
…a calm approach is required.
In an emergency…
…the focus is on the patient’s individual needs.
In an emergency…
…exceptional situations are overcome.
In an emergency…
…a great deal of warm-heartedness is needed.
In an emergency…
…people help people.
Collapsed lung –
Suddenly out of breath
If a collapsed lung occurs (pneumothorax is the medical term) as a result of an accident or injury, the patient's general condition can deteriorate rapidly. Help is then urgently needed, as the earlier the emergency is treated, the better the prognosis.
Lung infection –
Water on the lungs
Lung infection (pneumonia) is the infectious disease that causes most deaths in Switzerland: the lung tissue becomes inflamed and water collects in the alveoli.
A lung infection is a medical emergency: the health of the patient can deteriorate rapidly. The risk of complications is particularly high for people with weak immune systems.
Strengthening your lungs:
6 tips
When should you take special care and what can you do to prevent a lung infection? You can find out this and much more here:
Stop the spread
The pathogens that cause lung infections are mainly passed on through droplets expelled in coughs and sneezes. Washing your hands regularly helps protect you. Door handles, light switches and telephones should also be thoroughly cleaned.
Risk groups
Young children, the elderly, people who have previously had respiratory tract conditions, and people who have severe chronic illnesses such as diabetes are particularly prone to lung infections. These people are recommended to get a pneumococcal vaccine.
Strengthen your lungs
Air your lungs well. This keeps them healthy and resilient. Breathe fresh air regularly and boost the lower sections of your lungs with breathing exercises. Deep abdominal breathing or endurance sports like jogging or swimming strengthen your lungs.
Strengthen your immune system
Balanced nutrition can support the body's own defence system. With enough micro-nutrients, the metabolism works optimally and the immune system is ready for action.
Reduce the load on your lungs
A cigarette contains around 4,800 chemicals, of which 250 are poisonous, such as arsenic, lead and formaldehyde. The weakened lungs of a smoker are more prone to infections. Another reason to give up smoking.
Winter air
Your lungs need fresh air in winter as well. If it is too cold, this can place a strain on the lungs. For this reason, it is advisable to keep your mouth and nose covered with a scarf in cold weather.
Myths and facts
about lungs
Exercises for stronger lungs
Lungs & emergencies
The lungs inhale up to 2.5 litres of air, or up to four litres in the case of top athletes.
The total surface area of all the alveoli is larger than a badminton court.
If you tap your chest with your knuckles while you breathe, this strengthens your lungs.
Around 42,000 people are diagnosed with lung infections in Switzerland every year.
Freedivers have a lung capacity of up to 10 litres.
The diameter of the alveoli is 0.1 to 0.2 millimetres.
The left lung is smaller than the right, to allow room for the heart.
Every person has an average of 300 million alveoli.
The emergency procedure
The Emergency ID card contains your medical information, which may be crucial in an emergency. Download it now!
Organ donations can save lives. An organ donor card or the online registration allows you to specify in writing what is to be done with your body after you die.
What you should do in an emergency
Emergencies occur suddenly and unexpectedly. They come at inopportune moments and require timely, correct action. What can you do when something happens? Learn more about how to respond in emergency situations.
Where to find us
Hirslanden Klinik Hirslanden
Witellikerstrasse 40 | ||
8032 Zürich | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 44 387 35 35 |
Hirslanden Klinik Birshof
Reinacherstrasse 28 | ||
4142 Münchenstein | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 61 335 25 75 |
Hirslanden Klinik Stephanshorn
Brauerstrasse 95 | ||
9016 St.Gallen | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 71 282 74 74 |
Hirslanden Klinik Aarau
Schänisweg | ||
5001 Aarau | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 62 836 76 76 |
Hirslanden Klinik Beau-Site
Schänzlihalde 11 | ||
3013 Bern | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 31 335 30 30 |
Hirslanden Klinik Linde
Blumenrain 105 | ||
2501 Biel | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 32 366 41 12 |
Hirslanden Klinik Permanence
Bümplizstrasse 83 | ||
3018 Bern | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 31 990 41 11 |
Hirslanden Salem-Spital
Schänzlistrasse 39 | ||
3013 Bern | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 31 335 35 35 |
Hirslanden Clinique des Grangettes
Chemin des Grangettes 7 | ||
1224 Chêne-Bougeries | ||
365 days a year: | ||
Mon. to Fri. | 7 a.m. – 11.00 p.m. | |
Sat., Sun. & public holidays | 8 a.m. – 11.00 p.m. | |
+41 022 305 07 77 |
Hirslanden Clinique des Grangettes
Chemin des Grangettes 7 | ||
1224 Chêne-Bougeries | ||
365 days a year, 9 a.m. – 10.00 p.m. | ||
+41 022 305 05 55 |
Hirslanden Clinique la Colline
Avenue de Beau-Séjour 6 | ||
1206 Genève | ||
365 days a year, 9 a.m. – 11.00 p.m. | ||
+41 22 702 21 44 |
Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna
St. Anna-Strasse 32 | ||
6006 Luzern | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 41 208 44 44 |
Hirslanden Clinique Bois-Cerf
Hirslanden Clinique Cecil
Avenue Ruchonnet 53 | ||
1003 Lausanne | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 21 310 50 30 |
Hirslanden Klinik Im Park
Seestrasse 220 | ||
8027 Zürich | ||
365 days a year, 7 a.m. – 10.00 p.m. | ||
+41 44 209 25 55 |
Hirslanden AndreasKlinik Cham Zug
Rigistrasse 1 | ||
6330 Cham | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 41 784 01 44 |
Hirslanden Klinik Aarau
Schänisweg | ||
5001 Aarau | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 62 836 76 76 |
Hirslanden Klinik Birshof
Reinacherstrasse 28 | ||
4142 Münchenstein | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 61 335 25 75 |
Hirslanden Klinik Beau-Site
Schänzlihalde 11 | ||
3013 Bern | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 31 335 30 30 |
Hirslanden Klinik Linde
Blumenrain 105 | ||
2501 Biel | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 32 366 41 12 |
Hirslanden Klinik Permanence
Bümplizstrasse 83 | ||
3018 Bern | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 31 990 41 11 |
Hirslanden Salem-Spital
Schänzlistrasse 39 | ||
3013 Bern | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 31 335 35 35 |
Hirslanden Clinique des Grangettes
Chemin des Grangettes 7 | ||
1224 Chêne-Bougeries | ||
365 days a year: | ||
Mon. to Fri. | 7 a.m. – 11.00 p.m. | |
Sat., Sun. & public holidays | 8 a.m. – 11.00 p.m. | |
+41 022 305 07 77 |
Hirslanden Clinique des Grangettes
Chemin des Grangettes 7 | ||
1224 Chêne-Bougeries | ||
365 days a year, 9 a.m. – 10.00 p.m. | ||
+41 022 305 05 55 |
Hirslanden Clinique la Colline
Avenue de Beau-Séjour 6 | ||
1206 Genève | ||
365 days a year, 9 a.m. – 11.00 p.m. | ||
+41 22 702 21 44 |
Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna
St. Anna-Strasse 32 | ||
6006 Luzern | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 41 208 44 44 |
Hirslanden Klinik Stephanshorn
Brauerstrasse 95 | ||
9016 St.Gallen | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 71 282 74 74 |
Hirslanden Clinique Bois-Cerf
Hirslanden Clinique Cecil
Avenue Ruchonnet 53 | ||
1003 Lausanne | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 21 310 50 30 |
Hirslanden AndreasKlinik Cham Zug
Rigistrasse 1 | ||
6330 Cham | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 41 784 01 44 |
Hirslanden Klinik Im Park
Seestrasse 220 | ||
8027 Zürich | ||
365 days a year, 7 a.m. – 10.00 p.m. | ||
+41 44 209 25 55 |
Hirslanden Klinik Hirslanden
Witellikerstrasse 40 | ||
8032 Zürich | ||
24/7, 365 days a year | ||
+41 44 387 35 35 |