Back to newsCrete's emergency medical service (EKAB) is facing a serious staffing shortage, according to local reports. Officials state that approximately 40 additional personnel are needed to meet basic operational standards across the island. This means ambulance response times may be slower than expected, particularly in rural and eastern areas of Crete that are already underserved. Tourists should be aware that in a medical emergency, response times could be longer than in their home countries. It is advisable to have comprehensive travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation, keep the pan-European emergency number 112 saved on your phone, and identify the nearest hospital or clinic to your accommodation upon arrival. Private clinics in major tourist areas such as Heraklion, Chania, and Agios Nikolaos can provide faster access to care for non-critical situations.
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Crete emergency service faces critical staffing shortage
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