Red Cross deploys more than 1,000 volunteers for first aid during carnival rides: "Important exercise for crisis situations"

During the carnival season, Belgian Red Cross-Flanders deploys more than 1,000 volunteers to provide first aid at dozens of parades throughout Flanders. "It goes beyond just taking care of the revelers. Carnival processions are often complex environments that allow us to practice on crisis situations," says Jurgen Vandebroek, manager Intervention at Belgian Red Cross-Flanders. Revellers can count on first aid tents and mobile aid teams and the expertise of our volunteers who are on standby to provide medical assistance for injuries, intoxications and other emergencies.

"Carnival brings together thousands of visitors each year in sometimes chaotic conditions with limited mobility," Vandebroek continued. "For us, this is not only a time to keep revelers safe, but also an essential exercise in coordination and communication, which is crucial in crisis situations."

The most common medical problems during carnival

Skin wounds, cuts and fractures are among the most common injuries Belgian Red Cross-Flanders treats in its first aid stations. "Because of the crowds, it often happens that someone falls the wrong way. If you then come down badly, you can get a big wound. It's important that we take care of that quickly and correctly," Vandebroek said.

In addition, Red Cross teams also frequently see gastrointestinal problems and eye injuries. "We also regularly get people coming in with solid alcohol intoxication - it's still Carnival, of course," says Vandebroek. "In that case, we apply the correct first aid techniques to take care of them and refer them if necessary."

Mobile teams for rapid interventions

At the larger carnival parades, Belgian Red Cross-Flanders is not only present with first aid posts, but also with mobile teams that are coordinated centrally. "It is essential to know which team is where at what time, so that we can quickly send out the right emergency teams in case of a call. We work closely with other emergency and security services to do this," says Vandebroek.

Exercise for crisis management

In addition to providing first aid, Carnival is also an important test for the Red Cross for large-scale emergency operations. "We work in crowded areas where crowds, alcohol consumption and varying weather conditions pose additional challenges," said Vandebroek. "Our volunteers learn here to act quickly and efficiently, as in situations such as major accidents, extreme heat waves or other major crisis situations where rapid medical care and strong coordination are necessary."

The Red Cross stresses that these exercises are essential to staying prepared for larger emergencies. "A well-trained team makes all the difference in crisis management," Vandebroek said. "Carnival rallies allow us to test and improve our operation so that in emergencies we are ready to provide maximum support to hospitals and emergency services."

This year, more than 1,000 volunteers were deployed throughout Flanders. Aalst Carnival remains the largest carnival event, with the most medical interventions and the most extensive first aid presence.