A car ploughed into a crowd after the driver suffered a medical episode, leaving several people injured, some seriously, and lying prone on the ground.
One witness panicked, while another began filming the scene. Amid the chaos, a bystander took charge, comforting a victim while coordinating initial emergency actions.
No, this was no real accident but an enactment organised by the Belgian Red Cross on the occasion of World Red Cross Day to highlight the importance of taking action during emergencies.
During the exercise, the humanitarian organisation presented a clear message, 'Fear saves no one, action does,' while encouraging the public to learn first aid and “become a protector of your safety and that of others.”
“In such situations, people can be paralysed by adrenaline and stress,” Pauline Peters, a trainer with the organisation, explained. “There’s no magic formula, but stepping back and managing emotions enables rapid action. Calling 112 and performing basic measures while waiting for emergency services can save lives when every second counts.”
The Red Cross notes that 30 cardiac arrests occur daily outside hospitals in Belgium, with ambulances taking an average 10 minutes to arrive.
According to a survey by the organisation, 87% of Belgians deem first aid training important, and 50% have faced an emergency situation. Yet, only 25% plan to undergo training.
The public is urged to enrol at one of the 111 training locations across Brussels and Wallonia by visiting formations.croix-rouge.be.
