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Cyprus has strong legal frameworks for first aid, but key gaps leave the public vulnerable, warns Michalis Kyprianou, President of the Cyprus Association of Professional First Aid Providers. In his recent article for YgeiaWatch, Kyprianou highlights areas needing urgent reform to improve public safety and preparedness.
A major concern is that workplace first aid laws mandate trained personnel but do not explicitly cover assistance for visitors or the general public in workplaces and public spaces. Additionally, while AEDs (defibrillators) are required in locations like airports and hotels, there is no centralized oversight to ensure proper training and quality control.
Kyprianou also raises concerns over legal gray areas that may discourage people from providing first aid. Cyprus’ Criminal Code lacks clear protections for those who assist in emergencies, unlike laws in the UK and Germany that shield good-faith responders from legal liability.
To address these issues, he proposes mandatory first aid certification, expanded legal coverage for public spaces, stricter AED regulations, and public awareness campaigns. With proper reforms, first aid can become a more reliable safeguard for everyone.
With information from YgeiaWatch.
