Van der Heide praises the cooperation with the Drenthe municipalities and the police. “That is a kind of train that works very well specifically on New Year’s Eve. Because then there are many more incidents.” Arend Barkhof, volunteer at the Asser fire brigade, also notices this. “Beforehand, we put our heads together to make agreements on how we will deal with certain situations. Make sure we understand each other.”
“I like that there is always someone from the police there. Often a local police officer knows the people in the neighborhood best,” says Barkhof, who expects a busy New Year’s night. “They are often bonfires. As a commander, I use my common sense and enter into discussions. To ensure that things do not get out of hand and that no one is bothered by it. That works well.”
Drenthe’s hospitals also respond to old and new. “We have an extra lot in stock, such as bandages,” says a spokesperson for the Wilhelmina Hospital Assen. “This is because the warehouse is closed on New Year’s Day. As far as staff is concerned, we have an extra doctor and an extra nurse available at New Year’s Eve. An ophthalmologist is also on call.”
It is no coincidence that an ophthalmologist is on standby. At least 120 people suffered eye injuries last New Year, the Dutch Ophthalmic Society (NOG), the organization for ophthalmologists, reported in January. Even then, fireworks were prohibited. According to the NOG, most injuries were caused by decorative fireworks, which are also allowed this year.
Treant, which has hospital locations in Hoogeveen and Emmen, among others, says it is ‘well prepared’ for New Year’s Eve. “Also because we have a regional function with our Scheper hospital location in Emmen. Our emergency department has seventeen rooms there,” says Treant spokesperson Erwin Kikkers. “In terms of staff, we are adding an extra shift during the day and at night. But of course we hope for a quiet New Year’s Eve.”