As part of its social contribution and with the aim of enhancing preparedness in situations where every second can prove critical, Dr. Zisis Dimitriadis, Professor of Cardiology at the University of Mainz in Germany and Director of Cardiology at the Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus, donated an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to the volunteer first-response team DIASOSI 1.

The defibrillator was handed over in the team’s training room at the Ypsonas Town Hall, in the presence of representatives from DIASOSI 1 and the local government. The donation enhances the team’s equipment for first aid operations, social, athletic, and charitable events, as well as incidents requiring an immediate response.

The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a critical tool in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, as timely defibrillation can significantly increase the chances of survival. Access to such equipment, especially by teams on the front lines of volunteer service, can make a substantial difference in saving lives.

As Dr. Zisis Dimitriadis stated, “In cardiology, we know that in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, time is of the essence. Immediate access to a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death. It is with great pleasure that I support the work of the volunteer group DIASOSI 1, a group of people who stand by the community with selflessness and a sense of responsibility. I hope this defibrillator will be needed as little as possible, but that it will always be there when someone needs it.”

For his part, the leader of the DIASOSI 1 team, Mr. George Michael, noted that support for volunteer groups is particularly important so that they can continue and strengthen their work. “The donation of the defibrillator is a valuable asset for our team and for the situations we are called upon to respond to,” he emphasized.

The Deputy Mayor of Ypsona, Ms. Aleka Stylianou, thanked Dr. Zisis Dimitriadis for his support of the volunteer team, highlighting the importance of collaborating with individuals and organizations that actively support the local community. “A big thank you to the doctor, who stands alongside our volunteers and the Municipality of Kourion. We will continue to support all of the team’s efforts,” she said.

Dr. Zisis Dimitriadis’s initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between scientists, local authorities, and volunteer groups, with the common goal of strengthening prevention, rapid response, and public safety.

Dr. Zisis Dimitriadis
Dr. Zisis Dimitriadis is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Mainz in Germany and Director of Cardiology at the Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus. He studied medicine at Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt and began his professional career in 2007 at the HDZ-NRW Cardiology Center in North Rhine-Westphalia, one of the largest cardiology centers in Europe. His clinical and research work focuses on interventional cardiology, with an emphasis on the treatment of coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, structural heart diseases, and heart failure. He has received significant certifications and distinctions in Germany and internationally, and actively participates in international scientific conferences as a speaker and scientific collaborator.

About DIASOSI 1

DIASOSI 1 is a registered, nonprofit first-response organization founded in July 2018 in Limassol by individuals with many years of experience in volunteer groups. It is based in Ypsona and has approximately 75 volunteers. Its activities cover the entire island, and its goal is to provide volunteer assistance wherever and whenever needed. The team members are certified first aiders, and the team also includes volunteers certified in PHTLS and Bleeding Control, as well as a certified first aid instructor. DIASOS 1 is active, among other things, in providing first aid, supporting firefighting efforts, disaster response, search and rescue operations for missing persons, and broader social and humanitarian initiatives.