“The lifeguard’s job is probably one of the most difficult jobs that someone can have in an organized society,” emphasized the Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis, congratulating those lifeguards who were sworn in today.

“It is a very big thing to become a savior of EKAB. I want to assure you on behalf of the political leadership of the Ministry of Health that there is nothing that is beyond our control and that we do not do to strengthen EKAB, which we absolutely believe in, we absolutely trust, and I am proud because during our tenure, several things have already been done, such as today’s swearing in of 158 new rescuers.

With the main president, we have already started a series of measures aimed at upgrading EKAB both for its digital transformation and for its organizational structure, because we all understand that this organization will also have to adapt to the new data”, said Mr. Georgiadis and concluded by expressing his belief that by next summer EKAB will have a better image.

Present at the event were the Deputy Minister of Health Marios Themistokleous, the General Secretary of Health Services Lilian Venetia Vildiridis, the commander of EKAV Georgios Charalambous and the president of EKAV workers Giorgos Mathiopoulos.

The Deputy Minister of Health Marios Themistokleous stated for his part: “Today the EKAB is being strengthened. It modernizes and changes. It is strengthened by qualified staff. It implements a wide-ranging equipment program to strengthen its fleet and adopts and implements, now, the most modern training protocols. For the Ministry of Health, EKAB is a priority. Because it is a strong pillar of social cohesion, of a State that knows and can stand by its citizen’s side at the critical moment”.

The general secretary of Health Services Lilian Venetia Vildiridis pointed out that “in the last 1.5 years we have announced 538 permanent staff positions, in the last three months alone 426 auxiliary staff have joined the EKAB family, of which 329 are ambulance crews” and added:

“And we continue this effort. This is not to say that gaps do not continue to exist and that there are not sectors that have major shortages as we speak. Within the month, a decision will be made for additional auxiliary personnel in all areas that are in need and for which there are interested parties on the auxiliary list.”

The commander of EKAV, George Charalambous, spoke of a historic day for the National Center for Immediate Assistance. “After ten whole years, EKAB is once again acquiring new blood, new strength, new breath. 158 rescuers officially join our family today, the family of those who are always on the front line, where human endurance, composure and morality are tested.”

The president of EKAV workers, Giorgos Mathiopoulos referred to the rescuer of EKAV who lost his life saying:

“Today are difficult times. Because unfortunately the EKAV family lost a colleague while on duty. Rescuers fight a daily battle under adverse conditions. I want to wish you good strength.

You will have both pleasant and unpleasant moments in your working life. You will save people and go home and say “I saved a person”, but people will also be lost during that rescue and you will go home with mixed feelings. So, good strength in your work. I wish everyone health above all and my deepest condolences to the colleague’s family. We will remember him forever.”