It is only a few days ago since the collapse of the lawyer, Giorgos Tzatzarakis in the Main Courthouse of Heraklion, who sadly then died, despite the efforts over several days by doctors, to overcome the problems with his health.
Following this sad incident, the lawyers of the Bar Association of Heraklion, along with the Head of the Heraklion Court, have begun the procedures in cooperation with the ambulance services (EKAB), for the training of lawyers and courthouse staff, in the provision of first aid.
It is hoped that the initiative will be a reality very soon and alongside the training, the Bar Association also want to find how a donation of a defibrillator, which was donated to them almost ten years ago, can be incorporated safely into the training programme and be available for use in the Courthouse.
Doctors who are trained in the use of such equipment have advised against it’s use, as only persons with specialist training and diagnostic knowledge would be qualified to use it. Their concern is that, without the correct medical skills and training, the use of this kind of defibrillator could actually harm the patient rather than help.
Fortunately, whatever eventually happens, there are members of court staff and police officers who are certified in the use of such equipment, and have a very high level of first aid training.
The sudden and premature loss of their colleague, has left a very sad and strained atmosphere amongst the lawyers and staff at the Courthouse. Whether they have diagnosed or undiagnosed problems with their health, everyone is talking about how they must “fight” the everyday stresses, brought on by the huge workload, the increase in obligations, that are an everyday part of their working lives, along with their own personal and family problems.
Apart from the incident with their 58 year old colleague, Giorgos, there had been two other episodes, which fortunately in their cases, had positive outcomes.
The President of the Bar Association, Mr. Aris Rozakis, in cooperation with the Head of the Court, Mrs. Evgenia Tsiora, have already made contact with the EKAB and it is hoped that the training will begin shortly, for those who would be interested in taking part. In terms of the defibrillator, he will discuss the situation further, to establish what level of training and certification would be necessary, to offer safe assistance to possible patients.