Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper): On New Year’s Eve, hospitals treated 165 patients, 50% more than usual. Kurt Anseeuw noted many injuries from celebrations, especially at ZAS Cadix.
On New Year’s Eve, emergency services at five hospitals treated 165 patients from 10 PM to 8 AM. This is almost 50% more than usual for a Saturday night in December, making it one of the busiest nights of the year. Normally, they see about 159 patients on this night, showing how celebrations add to the workload. ZAS Cadix, located in the city center, had the most cases, likely because it’s near party areas.
What challenges do hospitals encounter on New Year’s Eve?
According to Kurt Anseeuw, who leads the emergency department at ZAS, New Year’s Eve brings special challenges for hospitals. Many people come in with injuries or health issues from drinking too much. There are also accidents from fireworks. Travel-related injuries happen often, too, with pedestrians, scooter riders, and cyclists getting hurt, especially when streets are crowded and people have been drinking. All of this makes New Year’s Eve a busy night for hospital staff, who work hard to take care of everyone.
ZAS emergency services were ready for New Year’s Eve with extra staff on duty. There were no attacks on healthcare workers. They treated four people for firework injuries, and most went home after care. One person lost fingers and had to stay in the hospital. More firework injuries are expected.
