Greece and Cyprus to hold Synaspis 2026 emergency response exercise on Andros

On October 20, 2026, Greece and Cyprus will conduct a joint emergency response exercise titled "Synaspis 2026" in the semi-mountainous region near Chora on the Greek island of Andros. The drill is organized by the Greek National Centre for Emergency Care (EKAV) and the Ambulance Service of the Cypriot State Health Services Organization (OKYpY), with support from the Municipality of Andros.

The operational scenario focuses on a simulated tourist bus crash where the vehicle veers off a cliff, resulting in multiple casualties. The exercise aims to evaluate critical response procedures, including rapid mobilization, operational coordination, casualty triage, rescue operations, pre-hospital care, and patient transport in difficult terrain. A central component of the simulation will be the collaborative action between the Greek Special Disaster Medical Unit (ETIK) and the Cypriot HART team.

This initiative serves to assess and enhance the interoperability, communication, and overall readiness of both nations in managing large-scale medical disasters. Findings from the exercise will be used to identify potential improvements in emergency medical protocols for future cross-border cooperation.