Greece and Cyprus to hold joint emergency response exercise in Andros

Greece and Cyprus will conduct a joint emergency response exercise titled 'Synaspismos 2026' on October 20, 2026, on the island of Andros. Organized by the Greek National Center for Emergency Care (EKAB) and the Ambulance Service of the State Health Services Organization (OKYPY) of Cyprus, the exercise aims to enhance operational coordination between the two nations.

The operational scenario focuses on a simulated mass casualty incident involving a tourist bus accident, specifically a road departure and fall, in a semi-mountainous area of Chora, Andros. The simulation will test critical procedures, including rapid mobilization, operational coordination, patient triage, rescue operations, pre-hospital care, and medical evacuation. A central focus of the exercise will be the joint operational action of the Special Medical Unit.

This initiative is supported by the Municipality of Andros and serves as a platform to test and improve the interoperability of emergency services from both countries when faced with large-scale medical emergencies.