Condition of conscripts who collapsed from heatstroke improves

The condition of two national guardsmen who suffered severe symptoms of heatstroke is being monitored on an ongoing basis, defence ministry spokesman Andreas Stylianou said on Monday.

The condition of the 17-year-old who was hospitalised in Paris shows significant improvement and damage to his vital organs seems to have been successfully averted, Stylianou said.

Speaking on CyBC radio, the spokesman said the young conscript, who was flown to the University Hospital in Paris, is slowly being brought out of his state of coma.

“The damage to the organs has been repaired, the process has begun to bring him back, which may take a few days,” Stylianou said.

“He has started to respond, we hope that in the coming days all the messages will be positive,” he added.

A second recruit who was serving at the same camp and also fell ill last Thursday was found to have contracted Covid-19. The 18-year-old, who had been intubated at the Nicosia General Hospital ICU following his collapse is also improving, Sylianou said.

“What caused [his] complete collapse was the fact that he was also positive with the coronavirus,” he added.

“He has been extubated [and] has recovered, he is communicating, and he is fine,” Stylianou said. The young man is expected to be transferred to another ward for further treatment as soon as he tests negative for Covid, Stylianou said.

Regarding the causes that led to the collapse of the two national guardsmen, it does not appear from initial assessment that negligence took place on the part of army officers or through inadequate protocols, however, an inquiry into the matter is to wrap up shortly, he said.

Last week, the defence minister visited the Stavrouvouni camp to evaluate the training environment, observe the conscripts’ morning exercise, and speak with recruits to understand prevailing conditions.

The ministry has said it already implements measures to protect conscripts from extreme temperatures. These include ensuring access to cold water, positioning health professionals near training and exercise areas for immediate intervention, and providing ceiling fans in rooms without air conditioning.