Drill on the topic of “Firefighting and Rescue” took place today at Nicosia General Hospital as part of the Cyprus Fire Service’s training activities, with the aim of enhancing operational readiness, effective response, and coordination among the relevant services in the event of a fire at a healthcare facility.
The exercise was co-organized by the Cyprus Fire Service and the State Health Services Organization (OKYpY), as part of their ongoing collaboration to enhance the safety of patients, staff, and facilities at public hospitals. Members of the Fire Service, staff from Nicosia General Hospital, members of the Ambulance Service, and the Cyprus Police participated in the drill.
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The drill scenario involved a fire breaking out in the Orthopedic Department on the second floor of Nicosia General Hospital. According to the drill scenario, at around 11:20 a.m. on Thursday, a fire broke out due to a short circuit in an electrical outlet inside Nicosia General Hospital. Hospital staff acted immediately, alerting the Fire Department and evacuating patients to a safe area. However, due to the accumulation of smoke, the build-up of hot gases, and the spread of the fire, one patient remained trapped in the room, necessitating the immediate intervention of fire and rescue crews.
The Fire Department responded to the incident with four fire trucks, including a hydraulic telescopic platform, with its personnel carrying out the necessary operational procedures to contain and extinguish the fire, as well as to locate and rescue the trapped patient.
At the same time, police officers worked to facilitate traffic flow and ensure unimpeded passage for fire trucks, thereby contributing to the unimpeded and timely deployment of emergency personnel to the scene.
Appropriate firefighting equipment, breathing apparatus, and water hoses were utilized to combat the fire, as well as the building’s available fire safety systems. Simultaneously with the firefighting operations, search and rescue efforts were carried out using specialized rescue equipment and a hydraulic telescopic platform. The patient was extricated and handed over to the ambulance crew to receive the necessary care.
Upon completion of the exercise, the Fire Chief thanked the participating agencies for their excellent cooperation, substantial contribution, and support in preparing and conducting the drill, as well as the members of the Fire Department who participated in it.
In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of conducting such exercises, which help familiarize personnel with the facilities and the specific characteristics of the site, in evaluating response procedures, and in enhancing operational readiness and effectiveness. At the same time, he emphasized that systematic training and close cooperation among the agencies involved are key factors in the timely, coordinated, and effective management of emergencies, with the protection of human life as the primary concern.
From the site where the drill was taking place, OKYPY Spokesperson Pambos Charilaou stated that the exercise is part of an assessment of the General Hospital’s readiness in crisis situations.
The Cyprus Fire Service, in collaboration with OKYPY and other relevant agencies, continues to invest in training, prevention, and operational readiness, strengthening cooperation and response mechanisms to effectively address emergencies and ensure public safety.
