- Defibrillators to be installed at all Athens metro stations, connected to a central aid system
- Volunteer taxis will also carry devices, with drivers trained in first aid
- Project supported by Masoutis Group sponsorship and coordinated by the Ministries of Health and Transport
- Initiative aims to safeguard lives in public spaces, benefitting locals and travelers alike
A Safety Net in Motion
Athens is taking a decisive step toward public health preparedness. Beginning this year, every metro station in the capital will be fitted with a defibrillator—devices proven to save lives in the critical minutes following sudden cardiac arrest. The program, launched by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, extends even further: taxis will be able to voluntarily join the network, with their drivers trained and equipped to act as first responders.
The machines will not stand alone. Each will be linked to a central technical system that can provide remote instructions in real time, guiding bystanders or staff until medical teams arrive.
Voices Behind the Program
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis explained:
“We are creating a network of prevention and immediate intervention. With defibrillators in metro stations, public transportation, and volunteer taxis, we provide citizens and professionals with the means to save lives. Every initiative has one focus: the human being.”
Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis highlighted the role of taxis as mobile allies:
“A taxi is always on the move. With the right equipment and training, it can reach an emergency faster than anyone else. This is not just a program—it is our duty to give people a second chance.”
For Residents and Visitors Alike
The metro is the daily artery of Athens, used by thousands of commuters. At the same time, taxis often serve as the first point of contact for visitors navigating the city. Equipping both with defibrillators transforms ordinary journeys into a safety net for all. Whether a local worker rushing home or a tourist heading to Syntagma Square, anyone caught in a medical emergency will be closer to help than before.
Athens, a city where history is carved into stone, is also learning to write its future in preparedness. With every device installed, the message is clear: no life should be lost simply because of a lack of immediate care.
