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The Ambulance Service responded to 70 incidents during the recent wildfires, transporting 16 patients to Limassol General Hospital for further treatment, said Riana Konstantinou, head of the Ambulance Service at the State Health Services Organization (OKYPY), in a statement to the Cyprus News Agency.
Konstantinou explained that once the crisis plan was activated, the Ambulance Service immediately began coordinating its response in close collaboration with the Health Ministry and OKYPY leadership. Medical teams were deployed to the field, including a temporary medical center set up at Erimi stadium to provide on-site care and ease pressure on hospitals.
“We had approximately nine ambulances stationed along the wildfire zone, operating around the clock with strong staffing,” she said. “This approach allowed us to handle all cases requiring attention, working alongside the Fire Service Center based at Kourion Town Hall. Many patients were treated directly at the scene.”
Of the 70 cases attended, Konstantinou noted that some were critical while others were less severe, but all received appropriate care. She also highlighted cooperation with Civil Defense and volunteer rescue groups to safely evacuate bedridden individuals without urgent medical needs.
“The setup at Erimi and the widespread ambulance deployment helped prevent further loss of life during critical moments,” she added, though she refrained from commenting on fatalities, saying those were beyond the Ambulance Service’s control.
When asked about the Ambulance Service’s role during emergencies, Konstantinou said, “We are always on the front lines because that’s our mission, to be ready and available to protect the public, especially during disasters like this.”
