Ambulance dispatch center East Netherlands 'in the dark' due to understaffing

The ambulance dispatch center in Apeldoorn is facing staffing shortages, leading to temporary shutdowns of emergency call services. Internal documents reveal a crisis situation, with the center unable to handle 112 calls on certain nights. The collaboration among five safety regions is strained, prompting staff from Northern Netherlands to assist. Patient safety concerns have been raised, although the regions claim there is no evidence of increased wait times affecting care. A crisis team has implemented measures to mitigate the situation, including halting training and reallocating staff. Long-term solutions involve training more personnel and potential legislative changes to improve collaboration among regions.