Record calls, injuries, fireworks incidents mark New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands

New Year’s Eve was again marked by danger for many in the Netherlands, as emergency services across the country reported a high number of injuries. It was a busy evening for hospitals in The Hague, Eindhoven, Zwolle, and others, sources say.

The Eye Hospital in Rotterdam treated 14 patients during New Year’s celebrations who had suffered eye injuries caused by fireworks. Most of them were minors, and the injuries mainly involved bystanders who were hurt by fireworks set off by others.

According to the hospital, the situation has been somewhat calmer than last year so far, although more patients are expected to arrive later in the day. Two people have already been operated on, with at least three additional surgeries planned.

The Martini Hospital in Groningen saw a strikingly high number of young people arrive at its burns center during New Year’s celebrations. A total of 19 people required care, about double the figure from last year, with more than half under the age of 15, including three seven-year-olds.

According to the Martini Hospital, 14 of the patients received outpatient treatment and were discharged shortly afterward, while five others required admission.

The Red Cross Hospital in Beverwijk reported a relatively calm New Year’s period at its burns center. A total of 14 people sought treatment, including five with fireworks-related injuries, and all were able to return home without being admitted.

Hospitals in major cities were very busy during the New Year’s celebrations. The Catharina Hospital in Eindhoven described it as “an extremely busy and intense night.” Haaglanden MC in The Hague, one of the country’s largest emergency departments, also treated “more patients due to fireworks than in previous years.”

The emergency department at the Catharina Hospital treated 30 patients, a sharp increase from the 18 seen last year, a number the hospital compared to an average night out. Four teenagers suffered the loss of parts of their fingers, while doctors also treated numerous patients who had fallen from bicycles while drunk or who were injured in violent incidents.

Across its sites in The Hague and Zoetermeer, the Haga Hospital treated 65 injured patients during the New Year’s period, double the number recorded last year. The hospital said the surge was largely driven by an increase in fireworks-related injuries.

UMC Utrecht reported a busy New Year’s period that was in line with previous years. At Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, seven patients were treated for fireworks-related injuries, among them two young teenagers aged 12 to 15. The hospital said that while staff were kept busy, thorough preparation prevented the situation from becoming unmanageable.

Ziekenhuis Gelderse Vallei in Ede reported a hectic New Year’s period, with nine patients injured by fireworks, including two hurt while shooting carbide. Seven other patients were treated for excessive alcohol consumption.

Bernhoven Hospital in Uden reported a hectic night, with about 25 patients treated, including 11 with fireworks-related injuries.

St. Jans Gasthuis in Weert had a relatively calm New Year’s Eve, treating one fireworks injury and four cases related to excessive alcohol or drugs. Similarly, the Jeroen Bosch Hospital in Den Bosch reported a fairly quiet night, with 18 patients treated, including four injured by fireworks, the youngest being 11 years old. The hospital noted that they had anticipated a higher patient turnout.

Amphia Hospital in Breda experienced a calmer night at the emergency department, with four patients injured by fireworks, fewer than last year. At Bravis Hospital in Roosendaal and Bergen op Zoom, no fireworks-related injuries were treated, down from four the previous year.

Emergency services in the Hollands Midden region faced “a hectic, busy night,” with a notably higher number of incidents than in past years. The safety region reported that Leiden’s academic hospital, LUMC, also saw more activity than last year in its first assessment.

Leiden University Medical Center saw an increase in fireworks-related injuries compared to last year, primarily affecting patients’ hands and eyes. Other regional hospitals, including Groene Hart in Gouda and Alrijne in Leiderdorp, were busy due to slippery roads on New Year’s Eve but otherwise had a relatively quiet night.

Isala Hospital in Zwolle saw a significantly busier New Year’s Eve at its emergency department, treating over 30 people injured during the celebrations, up from 22 patients the previous year.

Ten patients at Isala Hospital were injured by fireworks, with doctors noting an increase in both the number and severity of facial injuries. Several required surgery during the night, while others were treated for alcohol- or drug-related incidents, bicycle falls, or being kicked. No carbide-related injuries were reported at the Zwolle emergency department.

At the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), three patients were treated for fireworks-related hand injuries, including one who lost a finger. Around five others were admitted for issues related to excessive alcohol or drug use. A spokesperson noted that the emergency department has seen higher numbers of victims in past years.