Students, staff and faculty members of the university community received training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and first-response skills.
With strong participation, a training activity of the Region of Crete’s “ZOE” Program was held on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, at the “Markos Karanastasis” Indoor Sports Center on the Heraklion Campus of Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU). The activity was organized in cooperation with HMU and attracted hundreds of students, staff and faculty members from the university community.
The initiative highlighted the importance of awareness and practical training in first aid, as well as the crucial role that an immediate response can play in cases of cardiac arrest and other life-threatening emergencies.
The event was attended by the Rector of Hellenic Mediterranean University, Professor Nektarios Papadogiannis; the Deputy Regional Governor of Crete, Georgios Pitsoulis; the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Lifelong Learning and Student Welfare, Professor Panagiotis Nektarios; the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, Professor Michalis Tatarakis; and Professor Evridiki Patelaru of the Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, a member of the University’s Council of Administration.
As part of the training activity, participants had the opportunity to learn about and practise the basic principles of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and first-response skills, acquiring essential knowledge that can prove critical in an emergency.
The activity was supported by educational, healthcare and volunteer organizations, whose members shared their experience and expertise with the participants. More specifically, participating organizations included the Hellenic Red Cross, through its Regional Branches of Heraklion and Moires; the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Laboratory of the Medical School of the University of Crete; the “Filios Zeus” Volunteer Rescue Team; the Hellenic Rescue Team – Heraklion Branch; the “Epidrasis” Humanitarian Crisis Management Team; and Pre-Hospital Care.
During his welcome address at the opening of the training activity, the Rector of Hellenic Mediterranean University, Professor Nektarios Papadogiannis, stated:
“The strong participation of our university community in the training activity of the ‘ZOE’ Program confirms the importance of knowledge and practical training in first aid. The University does not limit its role to the transmission of scientific knowledge; it also seeks to foster responsibility, social awareness and the readiness of its members to contribute to the protection of human life. We thank all the partner organizations and volunteers who contributed to the success of this important initiative.”
On behalf of the Region of Crete, Deputy Regional Governor Georgios Pitsoulis emphasized:
“The ‘ZOE’ Program demonstrates in practice how important prevention and the training of citizens in life-saving skills truly are. The role of volunteer groups is particularly important, as their experience, training and selfless contribution make them key partners in the implementation of the Program’s activities. The cooperation between the Region of Crete, Hellenic Mediterranean University and volunteer organizations strengthens our collective effort to build a society that is better prepared and founded on solidarity and respect for human life.”
The Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Lifelong Learning and Student Welfare at HMU, Professor Panagiotis Nektarios, subsequently noted:
“Training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first-response skills is an essential asset for every individual. At Hellenic Mediterranean University, education is closely linked to social responsibility and to the development of skills that have a real impact on everyday life. The response from our students, staff and members of the university community encourages us to continue supporting initiatives that promote lifelong learning, prevention and the active participation of citizens in protecting human life.”
