New chairmanship at SVBS: Bruno Ducceschi succeeds Stefan Kühnis

1986 was an eventful year. For example, a block of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded. There was a fire in Schweizerhalle and extinguishing water contaminated the Rhine. But good things also happened: the Swiss Association for Industrial Paramedics (SVBS) was founded in Zurich in 1986. It was born out of the need for guidance and an exchange of information on the first aid measures required by employment law.

40 years of commitment to people and companies

First aid measures naturally focus on the victims themselves. Quick and professionally appropriate measures save lives and initiate the best possible recovery. But this also creates added value for the company. Employees feel that they are in good hands, remain loyal and productive, and economic or legal consequences due to long downtimes are prevented.

This is how occupational health brings people and companies together, and it is precisely in this field that the SVBS has been actively supporting its members for 40 years now. This anniversary was celebrated following this year's general meeting at Juckerfarm in Seegräben ZH. Even founding members were there to share memories and experiences with the members and guests.

Handover after 10 years: Bruno Ducceschi elected new president

The event also marked a change in the chairmanship of the SVBS. After ten years as President, Stefan Kühnis handed over the office. «It was an honor to be your president for so long,» he said to the assembly. «We have achieved a lot in these ten years. We have grown, strengthened the perception of the association and the topic and become very dynamic. That gives me great pleasure. And I am proud that so many committed and competent experts have gone down this path with me. The SVBS remains in good hands.»

While Stefan Kühnis became a new honorary member of the SVBS, the meeting elected Bruno Ducceschi as his successor. He has been a member of the SVBS Board since 2017 and Vice-President since 2024. He is also the Head of Corporate Medical Services at Schindler Aufzüge AG.

He brings a great deal of expertise and a large network with him - and new plans: «I am delighted to be taking over the presidency of our association and am very motivated by this new task,» says Bruno Ducceschi. «I have been working in the field of occupational health for over 30 years - and one thing has always driven me in all this time: the exchange with other professionals. Because in the end, it's always about the well-being of the patient. That's why it doesn't make sense for every company to reinvent the wheel. Together we are stronger - and this is exactly where I see the central task of our association.»

«With a well-networked association structure, we can connect the individual companies, learn from each other and share best practices,» Bruno Ducceschi continues. «At the same time, I want to specifically strengthen the role of company paramedics and make them better known to the public - because our profession deserves more visibility and recognition. It is also important to me to actively represent our interests in various committees and to represent occupational paramedics at a political and professional level.»

He is looking forward to working with the sector, the Board and the members - «and I am convinced that we can achieve a lot together. At the same time, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my predecessor Stefan Kühnis from the bottom of my heart. The work he has done for our association over the past few years is extraordinary. Without his tireless commitment and foresight, the association would not be where it is today. Thank you very much, Stefan - you have laid a strong foundation on which we can continue to build.»

Next steps in the anniversary year

At this year's general meeting, the new edition of the SVBS guidelines for implementing the Seco guidance was announced, among other things. The guide provides specific practical implementation tips and serves as an important tool for many company paramedics.

Another highlight of the SVBS anniversary year will be the 6th First Aiders Symposium on October 31, 2026 at the KKL Lucerne (firstrespondersymposium.ch). It will follow an accident from A to Z, from a sports injury to air rescue, rehabilitation and documentation. The event quickly became a must-attend event in the agendas of first aiders and attracted 420 participants and 25 exhibitors to Lucerne last year.

Source: svbs-asse.ch