The Special Operations Response Team (SORT) is a specialized ambulance team of Ambulance Amsterdam. The SORT is deployed in incidents involving extreme violence, where the situation is not safe and/or the safety is still unclear. Such as attacks, demonstrations, and riots.
Why the SORT?
The threat level of terrorism in the Netherlands has been ‘substantial’ for a number of years. This means that there is a real chance of a terrorist attack in the Netherlands. Therefore, account must be taken of extreme violence in which many victims can fall.
Moreover, Amsterdam and its surroundings have a violent street culture and there are many large events and demonstrations. Where small violent incidents can escalate into a larger disruption of public order with many injuries.
The SORT therefore works closely with the police (AT/DSI) and fire brigade (QRT B) in Amsterdam-Amstelland, Zaanstreek-Waterland, and Kennemerland.
The team
The SORT consists of ambulance nurses and drivers from all locations of Ambulance Amsterdam in the region of Amsterdam-Amstelland, Zaanstreek-Waterland, and Kennemerland.
The SORT regularly trains to be well prepared for a deployment. We often do this together with the police (AT/DSI) and with the fire brigade (QRT-B).
Information brochure SORT
For more information, download the SORT brochure:
