Dear reader,
I am delighted to present this new edition of Key Data in which we provide you with a detailed overview of the latest figures on emergency medical assistance in Belgium. This publication is a source of information on the organisation, activity and funding of emergency medical assistance in Belgium.
Emergency medical assistance is one of the responsibilities of the new Directorate General for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response of the FPS Public Health. This new Directorate General is tasked with the preparedness and management of health crises and the management of emergency medical services. It also represents the Belgian position in terms of health crisis management in international forums such as the DG Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (DG HERA), the DG European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the DG Health and Food Safety (DG Health), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), etc.
The figures and analysis in this report demonstrate our commitment to guaranteeing the organisation of a safe, responsive and effective emergency medical intervention, with the aim of providing timely medical care to citizens who need it.
We hope that these data will give you an insight into the complexity and challenges of emergency medical assistance and that they will highlight the importance of our joint efforts to maintain a solid health infrastructure. It is important to remember that emergency care is organised in close association with our various partners including the FPS Home Affairs, the National Crisis Centre, the communities and the regions.
I would like to thank all those who have contributed to this publication and the professionals in the healthcare sector whose daily efforts save lives. Their tireless endeavours make a substantial difference.
I hope you enjoy reading it,
Marcel Van der Auwera,
Acting Director-General
Directorate-General for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response