Dear reader,
In this third edition of Key Data, we invite you into the world of emergency, medical and psychosocial aid. As usual, we present this sector’s activities through some key figures.
Every year 1.7 million people in Belgium dial 112 to ask for assistance[1]. In Belgium, it is a given fact that in the event of illness, accident or disaster, assistance is provided as soon as possible. In order to ensure said assistance, an entire set of services and regulations are put in place.
Means for urgent medical care are being activated, not just in the case of an individual call for help, but also in the event of major crises. A large group of aid workers are permanently ready with one single mission: to provide accurate help, as soon as possible.
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The Department of Urgent Aid has also a preventive role, being present in various situations: a cycling race in Renaix, the Agricultural Foire of Libramont, the Brussels marathon, … At each event, a first aid post is present as a preventive measure, under the supervision of the federal health inspectorate.
One of the aims of the Directorate-General Healthcare (DGHC) is to present the large amount of data and information we have at our disposal in an intelligible format to the reader.
However, urgent medical and psychosocial care rests on many shoulders. For this publication we chose to focus on the missions in which the Department of Urgent Aid, as part of the DGHC at the FPS Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, is actively involved. We want to show you the back office of the system. We mention some key figures and point out trends. These can and may trigger further interpretation and debate.
We hope you enjoy reading it and look forward to your comments.
Annick Poncé,
Acting Director-General, DG Healthcare
[1]Source: FPS Home Affairs