A project that may prove to be a lifesaver is implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. Sponsored by the Masoutis Group, all Athens Metro stations will be equipped with defibrillators, enabling immediate intervention in cases of heart attack.
At the same time, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Minister Adonis Georgiadis, it launches a program that brings defibrillators to taxis. The placement will be voluntary for drivers wishing to participate, while those who do so will attend special training in first aid and use of the devices. Similar training will also be received by urban transport staff to ensure that the equipment can be used effectively in any incident.
Defibrillators will be linked to a central technical system of direct assistance, which will provide distance instructions for the management of the incident and will notify whether the assistance of another form of assistance is required. In this way, modern European prevention and security standards are integrated into practice.
The Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Konstantinos Kyranakisstressed: ‘We are creating a network of prevention and immediate intervention to deal with cardiac arrest, for that critical moment when a fellow citizen will need help. With defibrillators at subway stations, public transport and optional taxis, in close cooperation with Health Minister Adonis Georgiades and EKAB, we give citizens and professionals to save a human life. Each of our initiative, even those who are not in the narrow core of our responsibilities, is centered on man to know every citizen that he will never be alone in such a difficult time».
For his part, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis said: “With a great sense of responsibility as a Minister of Health, I work with the Deputy Minister of Transport Mr. Kyranakis and we are planning a program together so that we can volunteer in taxis. The taxi as a vehicle is constantly moving in the cities and can be very fast, immediately in a sudden incident. With proper training and appropriate equipment we are likely to save human lives and it is our duty to do so».
The installation of the metro appliances starts immediately, while the first taxis with equipment and trained drivers will soon take to the streets.