Spare Parts Shortage Cripples Greece's Emergency Ambulance Fleet

Monday, 15 June 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

Greece's national emergency medical service (EKAB) is facing a significant shortage of operational ambulances, with workers reporting that dozens of vehicles are out of service due to a lack of spare parts. The issue has been flagged primarily in the Attica region around Athens, raising concerns about pre-hospital emergency response capacity across the country. While no Crete-specific figures have been published, the shortage affects the national fleet and may have implications for emergency response times on the island. Tourists visiting Crete are advised to ensure they have comprehensive travel health insurance before arriving, and to note that the European Emergency Number 112 remains the correct number to call in any medical emergency. Response times in more remote or mountainous areas of Crete can already be longer than in urban centers.