The emergency services of ZAS Cadix, Vincentius, Middelheim, Augustinus and Palfijn cared for a total of 165 patients between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., which is almost fifty percent more than during an average Saturday night in December. On New Year’s Eve there is an average of 159. Most emergency contacts were at the expense of ZAS Cadix in the city center.
“New Year’s Eve is a busy night anyway. Of course you have the classic emergencies, and on top of that there is a party night with many people on the track. Many people have looked too deeply into the glass, and there have also been accidents involving fireworks and injuries caused by accidents during travel (on foot, by scooter and by bicycle),” says Kurt Anseeuw, head of emergency medical services at ZAS.
“We are prepared for this, and deployed extra people while the rest of the country was partying. It is important that we did not experience any aggression against healthcare providers last night. Let’s hope that we can continue this good start to the year.”
The ZAS emergency services also received four fireworks victims. Most were able to go home after treatment. A patient was admitted to ZAS Augustinus who had lost several fingers due to an exploded fireworks arrow. More people may come by later in the day with fireworks injuries.
