Frequency, intensity and duration of routine rehabilitation exercises practiced by patients with coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to present the design and implementation of the first organized public access defibrillation (PAD) program in Greece - Program ZOE ('life' in Greek) - and the results collected over the first 8 months of its operation (March 2025 to October 2025).

METHODS

We prospectively assessed the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the Region of Crete. Data were collected from the online defibrillator monitoring system, emergency medical services (EMS) and interviews from people engaged in resuscitation. The Region of Crete purchased 256 AEDs. We used a population criterion to determine the locations of installation to cover urban and rural areas of Crete. A mobile app was created to guide retrieval of available AED and to provide CPR instructions. To allow mass training, we designed a 45-minute training program with the use of an educational video.

RESULTS

More than 1500 high school students were trained through the short program during the academic years 2023-24 and 2024-25. A total of 67 AEDs were placed in athletic fields and stadiums, 97 in urban areas and 92 in villages. Ninety were placed in the regional unit of Heraklion, 42 in Chania, 31 in Rethymnon and 26 in Lasithi. During the first 8 months, AEDs in Program ZOE were used six times for the management of OHCA, all in rural areas. In one case, resuscitation was successful; the patient experienced cardiac arrest at home, and relatives performed CPR and called for the AED located in the village. The patient received three shocks and regained consciousness before EMS arrival.

CONCLUSION

Our 8-month experience suggests that remote communities with relatively difficult EMS reach may benefit from AED installation. When designing a PAD network, we should take into consideration the specific geomorphological features of the area.