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.

Twee collega's van het Special Operations Response Team (SORT) zitten voorin de auto

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).

Medewerkers van het Special Operations Respons Team (SORT) behandelen een patiënt tijdens een oefening

Information brochure SORT

For more information, download the SORT brochure:

Folder SORT 2026 Engels Downloaden