Greece and Cyprus are joining operational forces for the transnational exercise “SYNASPIS 2026,” which will take place on October 20 on the Greek island of Andros. The exercise aims to strengthen the two nations’ preparedness and coordination in responding to incidents involving a large number of casualties. It is organised by the National Centre for Emergency Care (EKAB) of Greece and the Ambulance Service of Cyprus (under the State Health Services Organisation – SHSO/OKYpY), with the support of the Municipality of Andros.
The State Health Services Organisation (SHSO/OKYpY) said in a press release on Thursday that the exercise will be conducted in a semi-mountainous area near Chora, Andros. The operational scenario involves a road accident in which a tourist bus veers off the road and plunges, resulting in a mass-casualty incident. The drill aims to simulate procedures for rapid mobilisation, operational coordination, casualty triage, rescue operations, the provision of pre-hospital care, and patient transport.
“Cooperation between Greece and Cyprus in emergency pre-hospital care strengthens the readiness of both countries to respond to major incidents and disasters” it is noted. Of particular importance is the response in island and hard-to-reach areas, as well as the simultaneous management of a large number of casualties, the announcement continues.
The press release notes that “SYNASPIS 2026” represents a significant step toward further strengthening operational cooperation between Greece and Cyprus, laying the groundwork for new joint training initiatives and enhancing the capacity for mutual assistance. The conclusions drawn from the exercise will contribute to evaluating the procedures implemented, identifying areas for improvement, and bolstering a coordinated response to mass-casualty health incidents.
Furthermore, it highlighted that “the exercise will provide political and administrative leadership with the opportunity to observe the operational capabilities of the participating teams firsthand, underscoring the critical importance of continuous training, operational readiness, and cross-border cooperation.”
“Through joint training and the exchange of expertise, EKAB and the Cyprus Ambulance Service are strengthening their collaboration and their ability to respond in a coordinated and effective manner to complex emergency situations-with the protection of human life remaining a steadfast priority,” the press release concluded.