Case study: how the Red Cross transformed emergency response with Soku Minute Mattress

Introduction

When the Netherlands faced a sudden surge of incoming refugees at national registration centers, the Dutch Red Cross had to provide immediate, humane sleeping arrangements. This case study shows how the Soku Minute Mattress helped the Red Cross respond quickly, protect dignity, and simplify logistics during a critical humanitarian operation.

The challenge

• Sudden influx: A large number of refugees arrived at short notice and needed accommodation right away, without time for traditional arrangements.
• Unpredictable demand: Peaks in arrivals were hard to forecast, which made it difficult to prepare conventional beds or cots in advance.
• Capacity limits: Existing facilities were not equipped for such rapid scaling, and sleeping on hard surfaces was not acceptable.

The Soku response

• Rapid deployment: The Red Cross, led by operations chief Michel Toebast, sent two volunteers with a Soku Minute Mattress set and an inflator to the site.
• Efficient setup: Within hours, the team organized hundreds of comfortable beds for that same night, so no one had to sleep on concrete or grass.
• Minimal resources: Two volunteers and simple equipment were enough to meet urgent needs for a large group.

Results and impact

• Dignity and comfort: Refugees received a proper place to sleep, which greatly improved their well-being in a stressful situation.
• Operational efficiency: The Red Cross could use its resources more effectively, focusing on other urgent tasks instead of complex bed logistics.
• Scalable model: The approach can be repeated anywhere, with minimal staff and preparation, to meet changing emergency demand.

From the field

“Our volunteers effortlessly deployed the mattresses, improving our operations significantly. With this efficient solution, we no longer need to send large trucks with stretchers for just a few nights, nor do people have to sleep on the grass or concrete. The Soku Minute Mattresses have made a remarkable difference, ensuring that everyone has a comfortable place to rest. This not only enhances the dignity and well-being of the refugees but also enables us to allocate our resources more effectively.”

— Michel Toebast, Dutch Red Cross

Lessons learned

• Preparation pays off: Even with minimal training, the right system allows a rapid, effective response in demanding situations.
• People first: Prioritizing comfort and dignity for people in crisis leads to better outcomes for recipients and aid organizations.
• Resource optimization: Streamlined logistics free up staff and budget for other critical needs during emergencies.

Conclusion

The Red Cross's experience with the Soku Minute Mattress shows how a well-designed system can improve emergency response. By combining speed, simplicity, and care for human dignity, organizations can meet urgent needs more effectively, no matter how unpredictable the situation.

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