Rapid Intervention Teams

When an incident causes multiple injuries, it exceeds the capacity of regular emergency services. In other words, ambulance and MUG assistance is insufficient. In such situations, a Rapid Intervention Team (SIT) is deployed to provide additional first-aid equipment and logistical support. By order of the Federal Government, the management of these resources is in the hands of the Red Cross.

We have 5 SITs on standby in the province of Antwerp, helping the other emergency services provide quick and efficient assistance to victims.

Extra capacity first aid equipment

The intervention vehicle of a Rapid Intervention Team is equipped with a large amount of emergency medications, resuscitation equipment and first-aid equipment. It also has equipment on board to provide logistical support for the emergency response at the scene: inflatable tents, emergency lighting, electrical generators, stretchers and signage.

The intervention vehicles are not equipped to transfer victims to the hospital. For such patient transportation we deploy ambulances.

24/7 stand by for rapid deployment

The Red Cross volunteers manning the 30 Around-the-Clock Rapid Intervention Teams in Flanders received additional training on top of their first-aid training to be able to provide assistance during disasters. At the latest 45 minutes after the Red Cross is alerted by the 112 emergency center or the Federal Health Inspector (FGI), the team is at the scene of the incident to support the emergency services already present.

Emergency services in Flanders call in the help of the Rapid Intervention Teams up to 40 times a year.