The medical support for a hopefully soon-to-be-held Elfstedentocht on ice will be carried out by multiple organisations. Every year, discussions take place leading up to the skating season between regional first aid associations, the Red Cross, Defence, the Doctor’s On-call Service, the Emergency Room North Netherlands, the Lifeguard Brigade, and Sports Masseurs. As a result, we are ready each year to staff and supply the approximately 70 first aid posts along the route, including an emergency hospital at the finish. The number of available volunteers to carry out these tasks is decreasing.
As a board, we are therefore pleased that we have been able to sign a contract with the Red Cross this year. This professional party will play a larger role in the medical support of an upcoming Elfstedentocht on ice. In addition to the Red Cross managing the connection between the first aid posts, from this season onwards, all medical supplies will also be provided by the Red Cross. The deployment of helpers via the Red Cross will be increased. As a board, we are convinced that by intensifying and formalising the cooperation with the Red Cross, the foundation of medical support for the Elfstedentocht on ice will be strengthened for the coming decades.
