Cyprus health minister highlights importance of bystander CPR training

On October 20, 2026, Cyprus Minister of Health Neofytos Charalambidis emphasized the critical nature of cardiac arrest response during a press conference held by the Cyprus Resuscitation Council for World Restart a Heart Day. Charalambidis highlighted that every second is vital in emergency situations and that the difference between life and death often rests on the actions of laypeople—such as relatives, colleagues, or bystanders—before professional medical help arrives.

The minister stressed that knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) should not be limited to healthcare professionals. He called for collective effort involving the state, scientific bodies, and civil society to spread this training throughout the population. The initiative aims to enhance social preparedness and ensure that more citizens are equipped to offer assistance in life-threatening scenarios.

This event underscores a broader push for public education and the strategic importance of community readiness in preventing deaths from sudden cardiac events. The Cyprus Resuscitation Council continues to promote these efforts as part of ongoing initiatives to improve survival rates through timely intervention and community-led emergency responses.