Hellenic Cardiological Society calls for national sudden cardiac death prevention strategy

The Hellenic Cardiological Society (HCS) is calling for the establishment of a comprehensive National Strategy for the Prevention and Management of Sudden Cardiac Death. The organization emphasizes that an organized chain of prevention and care is necessary to address the daily occurrences of cardiac arrest in both urban centers and remote tourist destinations.

Key components of the proposed strategy include early diagnosis, public education on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and ensuring widespread access to modern cardiological knowledge. The HCS highlights that because medical professionals are rarely present during the initial critical minutes of a cardiac arrest, trained citizens serve as the vital link in maintaining a patient's life until specialized help arrives.

The society is urging cooperation between the state, the scientific community, specialized medical centers, and patient associations to transform scientific advancements into an organized public health response. For 20 years, the HCS has worked with the European Resuscitation Council to train and certify both healthcare professionals and citizens in CPR.