The greater Athens area’s metro stations will soon be equipped with defibrillators, devices that provide an electric shock to the heart to overcome several potentially fatal cardiac conditions, following a donation by a local supermarket chain.
The initiative will be implemented by the relevant infrastructure and transport ministry.
In a related development, a program placing defibrillators in taxi cabs whose drivers wish to receive training with the devices, will be inaugurated by the health ministry. Metro staff will also be trained to use the device, along with first aid.
The defibrillators will be connected to a central communication system, which will allow trained staff to provide directions remotely to deal with an incident as well as whether additional assistance is needed.
The installment of the device in metro stations and cabs incorporates updated European models of prevention and safety.
Installation of defibrillators in the metro system will begin immediately, while the first equipped taxis and trained drivers will follow.
