Day of the Emergency Response Officer: Four colleagues share their stories
On the Day of the Emergency Response Officer, we shine a light on the colleagues who contribute to safety across the university. Their dedication and experiences highlight the value and versatility of being a company emergency response officer – not only in the workplace, but beyond. We spoke with four colleagues about their roles and motivations.
Xander Ypeij – – Receptionist, UFB
With over twenty years of experience, Xander Ypeij is a familiar face within the emergency response team. 'I find it rewarding to be able to help people when they need it most.'
As a receptionist, Xander plays a crucial role in supporting the team. 'When an alert comes in, we respond immediately, prepare the vests and radios, pass on information to the team leader, and record times and actions for the incident report.' During evenings and weekends, when fewer officers are present, he personally responds to alerts and provides assistance where needed.
Over the years, Xander has not only learned to administer life-saving first aid, but also the importance of remaining calm. 'People in emergencies are grateful for your help. They rely on you, and that brings a sense of responsibility.'
One situation from a previous employer has stayed with him. 'A visually impaired man with hearing difficulties fell into a canal with his guide dog. We pulled him out, gave him dry clothes, dried the dog, and arranged a taxi to get him home safely.'
Iris de Jager – Communication staff
As a communications adviser, Iris de Jager has been active as an emergency response officer for two years. Her motivation? 'I was curious about what the role involved and wanted to gain both practical and theoretical knowledge, such as first aid and fire safety.'
What stood out most to her was the importance of assessment and self-protection. 'The balance between offering help and knowing when to call in others with the right expertise was particularly interesting. You also need to be aware of when you might be putting yourself at risk, because if that happens, you can’t help anyone else.'
Iris emphasises that being an emergency response officer is not only valuable for the university, but also personally enriching. 'You gain knowledge and experience that’s useful in everyday life. Becoming an officer is a unique opportunity to learn things you might not otherwise encounter. I’d recommend it to everyone – it’s all positive.'
Praneet Khandal – ICT & Education Officer, Future Learning Office
Praneet Khandal has been an emergency response officer for two years, inspired by colleagues in the workplace. In that time, he has learned a great deal, especially about fire safety. 'Understanding the cause of a fire is essential to extinguishing it effectively.'
He shares an important message: 'You’re never alone in this role. We’re always trained to work in teams, and that makes a big difference. You can rely on each other. It’s also a great addition to your CV and teaches you life skills. The threshold to join is low, and even a small contribution can make a big impact. So definitely consider it!'
Saskia Swolfs – Education administration staff member
Saskia has been an emergency response officer for seven years, two of which have been at the university. 'I’m both an officer and a team leader. I prefer the team leader role because it allows you to maintain oversight.'
She believes calm and clarity are essential. 'If you stay calm, others will naturally follow.'
Her first training session was immediately hands-on. 'What’s happening here? It was a practical training, which was incredibly valuable because you never know what a real emergency might involve. You quickly see roles being assigned – people jump into action based on the scenario.'
Saskia concludes with a clear call to action: 'Emergency response officers are truly needed in any organisation. People often think it takes a lot of time, but that’s not the case. Yes, you need to attend training to keep your knowledge up to date, but you get so much in return. You can use the skills not only at work, but also if you volunteer at a sports club, for example. I’d say: become an officer and see what it can bring you!'