Dutch ambulance uniforms to be tested in Curaçao

Dutch ambulance uniforms will soon be tested in Curaçao. But why has the island chosen this particular uniform, which sparked considerable debate in the Netherlands? And can a uniform designed for one country simply be adopted in another?

Liever dit artikel in het Nederlands lezen? afety of the ambulance uniform.

Dutch ambulance uniforms to be tested in Curaçao

During an official meeting held in Amsterdam at the end of May, the cooperation agreement was formally signed. UMCG Ambulancezorg B.V., which holds the intellectual property rights on behalf of the Dutch Ambulance Care Institute, granted Curaçao permission to use the uniforms.

Fundashon Kuido Ambulans Kòrsou (FKAK), the organisation responsible for emergency ambulance services in Curaçao, will soon become the first organisation outside the Netherlands to test the Dutch ambulance uniforms. Seven employees will wear the uniforms during a pilot project on the island. If the trial is successful, the uniforms are expected to be introduced in 2027.

Dutch ambulance uniforms have a long history

At present, ambulance personnel in Curaçao still wear the previous generation of Dutch ambulance uniforms. It is therefore not surprising that Curaçao, an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has once again chosen a Dutch uniform. For the island, the project is also part of a broader effort to modernise and professionalise its ambulance services.

The current Dutch ambulance uniform, designed by Karin Slegers, who also designed Belgium’s new police uniform, was introduced in the Netherlands in 2019. However, the rollout was far from smooth.

In my 2020 article about the safety of the ambulance uniform, I reported on research showing that many employees questioned whether the new clothing provided sufficient visibility. Because the organisation placed great value on the uniform’s distinctive appearance, the design was introduced despite these concerns. As a result, not all ambulance services immediately adopted the new clothing package.

My article generated considerable discussion. Several ambulance employees contacted me directly to share their concerns. Eventually, an additional jacket was developed to improve visibility. The organisation also switched manufacturers. After these modifications and extensive debate, the uniform was ultimately adopted by all Dutch ambulance services.

The Dutch ambulance sector later faced another challenge when an online retailer copied the uniform designs. The products were quickly removed from sale and, since then, the controversy appears to have faded.

Will uniforms work in Curaçao?

Given the relationship between the Netherlands and Curaçao, it makes sense that the island would consider adopting the Dutch uniform. However, the situation is more complicated than it may seem.

The uniform was originally designed for the Dutch climate and the conditions in which ambulance personnel work in the Netherlands. The country experiences four distinct seasons and frequent rainfall. Curaçao, by contrast, has a much warmer and more stable climate, with relatively little rain throughout the year.

As a result, ambulance employees may find certain garments too warm to wear comfortably. Curaçao may therefore decide to modify parts of the clothing package or adopt only specific elements of the uniform.

This project once again demonstrates that there is no such thing as a perfect uniform. Climate, culture and working conditions always play an important role. Will the Dutch ambulance uniform prove suitable for Curaçao? Time will tell.

 

Kind regards,

Aileen