By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The Costa Rican Red Cross (CRC) has officially announced its comprehensive Year-End and New Year Holiday Operation for 2025–2026, signaling the launch of a significant nationwide deployment aimed at safeguarding residents and tourists during the country’s busiest travel season. The large-scale initiative underscores the organization’s commitment to proactive emergency response and public welfare as thousands prepare to travel for festive celebrations.
The operation is scheduled to run for over a month, commencing on December 27, 2025, and concluding on February 8, 2026. This extended period will cover key weekends and strategic dates when public movement is at its peak. The CRC’s presence will be strategically amplified across the nation, with a clear focus on major transportation arteries, popular tourist destinations, and recreational areas such as beaches, rivers, and mountains, which traditionally see a dramatic influx of visitors during this time.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework and implications surrounding the recent Red Cross operation, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The Red Cross operates under a unique legal mandate, acting as an auxiliary to public authorities in the humanitarian field. This status grants their personnel and volunteers specific protections under both national and international law, ensuring they can perform their duties with neutrality and impartiality. Respecting this legal framework is not just a matter of protocol; it is fundamental to guaranteeing that life-saving assistance can reach those in need without impediment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is fundamental, highlighting that the legal framework is not an abstract principle but the essential foundation that enables humanitarian action on the ground. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on the protections that allow life-saving aid to reach those who need it most.
To execute this ambitious plan, the CRC will mobilize a formidable force of more than 400 personnel. This contingent is composed of both dedicated operational staff and a crucial corps of volunteers, all trained to handle the diverse emergencies common to the holiday season. Their combined effort represents a substantial investment in human capital dedicated to ensuring a rapid and effective response wherever incidents may occur.
Supporting the field teams is an impressive fleet of more than 150 operational resources. This mobile arsenal includes basic and advanced life-support ambulances, specialized rescue units, and rapid-intervention vehicles designed to reach incidents quickly. Furthermore, a network of 100 fixed and rotating attention posts will be established at critical locations, including high-risk national and cantonal routes, to reduce emergency response times and provide immediate aid.
The necessity of such a robust operation is highlighted by sobering statistics from the previous year’s holiday period. During that time, the Red Cross provided medical attention to 913 individuals across the country. The severity of these incidents is alarming, as 50 of those patients required urgent transport in critical condition. The data paints a clear picture of the heightened risks associated with the holiday rush.
An analysis of last year’s emergencies reveals the most common triggers for Red Cross intervention were general medical cases, traffic accidents, and water-related incidents. These three categories consistently represent the greatest threats to public safety during vacation periods. Tragically, the previous operation also saw emergency teams attend to 19 individuals who had no vital signs upon arrival, a stark reminder of the life-or-death stakes involved.
However, the CRC’s strategy extends beyond reactive emergency care. Prevention is a cornerstone of the operation, a fact demonstrated by the more than 16,000 preventative actions conducted during the last holiday season. These efforts, which include public awareness campaigns and on-site safety recommendations, are vital in mitigating risks before they escalate into full-blown emergencies and are a testament to the institution’s holistic approach to public health.
In its announcement, the Costa Rican Red Cross issued a powerful appeal to the public, emphasizing that safety is a shared responsibility. The organization urges all citizens and visitors to exercise caution, adhere strictly to traffic laws, avoid reckless behavior, and follow the guidance provided by emergency personnel. By fostering a culture of prevention and responsibility, the CRC hopes to ensure that the 2025–2026 holiday season is remembered for its celebrations, not its tragedies.
For further information, visit cruzroja.or.cr
About Costa Rican Red Cross:
The Costa Rican Red Cross is an independent, humanitarian organization that forms part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Committed to preventing and alleviating human suffering, it provides a wide range of services across Costa Rica, including emergency medical response, disaster management, blood donation services, and community health education, operating under the fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a pursuit of professional excellence. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm champions innovative legal solutions while demonstrating a profound commitment to civic responsibility. This dedication is manifested in its mission to demystify the law, aiming to fortify society by providing citizens with the clarity and understanding needed for empowerment.
