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Medical Emergencies

General Information

Section titled “General Information”

We are very fortunate to have the Red Cross on site during both Saturday and Sunday. They provide professional first aid and medical support for:

  • Minor injuries (cuts, scrapes, bruises)
  • Headaches and minor ailments
  • First aid supplies
  • Assessment and triage of more serious issues

Remember: The Red Cross are volunteers too! Please treat them with respect and patience.

Operating hours

Section titled “Operating hours”

The Red Cross are available on-site:

  • Saturday: 0900 to 1900
  • Sunday: 0900 to 1900

Note: Times may vary slightly. Check the latest announcements or ask at Infodesk for confirmation.

Location

Section titled “Location”

Red Cross station: Building K, 2nd floor

How to get there:

  • Enter Building K at Infodesk K entrance
  • Take the staircase directly opposite the Infodesk
  • Go up to the 2nd floor
  • The Red Cross station is clearly marked

Accessibility note: There is an elevator available in Building K for those who cannot use stairs. Ask at Infodesk K for directions. Its entrance can be found between Infodesk K and the stands.

Red Cross or 112 ?

Section titled “Red Cross or 112 ?”
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flowchart TD
    A{Is this a critical medical emergency, or are there multiple casualties?}
    A -- Yes --> B[Call 112 first, then try to contact staff or the Red Cross]
    A -- No --> C[Try to contact the Red Cross via staff first]

    %% Style the decision diamond
    style A fill:#fff3cd,stroke:#ff9800,stroke-width:2px

    %% Style the YES path box
    style B fill:#ffebee,stroke:#f44336,stroke-width:2px,color:#b71c1c

    %% Style the NO path box
    style C fill:#e3f2fd,stroke:#2196f3,stroke-width:2px,color:#0d47a1

    %% Color the YES arrow red
    linkStyle 0 stroke:#f44336,stroke-width:2px

    %% Color the NO arrow blue
    linkStyle 1 stroke:#2196f3,stroke-width:2px

What if someone needs help outside Red Cross hours?

Section titled “What if someone needs help outside Red Cross hours?”

First aid kits available

Section titled “First aid kits available”

Basic first aid kits are located at both infodesk locations.

Available:

  • Friday during buildup
  • Saturday and Sunday outside Red Cross hours
  • Sunday during teardown

Contents

Section titled “Contents”

Basic supplies for minor issues:

  • Adhesive bandages (plasters)
  • Gauze and bandages
  • Disinfectant
  • Basic wound care supplies

For serious issues outside Red Cross hours

Section titled “For serious issues outside Red Cross hours”

Call 112 for emergencies requiring professional medical help.

What counts as a medical emergency?

Section titled “What counts as a medical emergency?”

Call 112 immediately if:

Section titled “Call 112 immediately if:”
  • Person is unconscious or unresponsive
  • Difficulty breathing or choking
  • Severe bleeding that won’t stop
  • Suspected heart attack (chest pain, arm pain, shortness of breath)
  • Suspected stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
  • Severe allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty breathing)
  • Seizures
  • Serious head injury
  • Suspected broken bones with deformity
  • Any situation where you’re unsure - better safe than sorry!

Contact Red Cross for:

Section titled “Contact Red Cross for:”
  • Minor cuts, scrapes, or minor burns
  • Sprains or minor muscle injuries
  • Headaches or minor illness
  • Need for basic first aid supplies
  • Assessment of non-life-threatening injuries

How to help in a medical emergency

Section titled “How to help in a medical emergency”

As a volunteer, your role is:

Section titled “As a volunteer, your role is:”

  1. Assess the situation quickly

    • Is it safe for you to approach?
    • Is this life-threatening?

  2. Call for help

    • Life-threatening: Call 112
    • Non-emergency: Contact staff at +32 2 788 74 72 or anyone wearing a yellow staff shirt, who can radio the Red Cross
    • If the patient can move, guide them to K building, 2nd floor, Red Cross

  3. Stay with the person

    • Comfort and reassure them
    • Don’t move them unless they’re in immediate danger
    • Keep them warm and dry if possible

  4. Crowd control

    • Ask bystanders to give space
    • Keep exits and pathways clear for emergency services
    • Designate someone to guide emergency services to the location if needed

  5. Provide information

    • Tell emergency services/Red Cross what you witnessed
    • Note the time the incident occurred
    • Help translate if the person doesn’t speak English, French, or Dutch

What NOT to do

Section titled “What NOT to do”
  • Don’t try to treat serious injuries yourself
  • Don’t move someone with a suspected spinal or neck injury
  • Don’t leave them alone if it’s serious
  • Don’t be afraid to call 112 - it’s better to over-react than under-react

Disclaimer

Section titled “Disclaimer”

This document is intended to help the reader recognize medical emergencies and access appropriate assistance. It is not an exhaustive guide and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Event organizers, volunteers, and the Red Cross may provide first aid support but are not responsible for medical outcomes or delays in seeking professional care. In all life-threatening or uncertain situations, you should call 112 immediately.