Ministry boosts heat safety after recruit heatstrokes

The defence ministry said on Friday that it continues to implement measures to protect from high temperatures, days after two National Guard recruits from the same camp were hospitalised with heatstroke symptoms.

Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas conducted an on-site inspection to understand the conditions faced by the soldiers at the specific camp, following these alarming events.

The incidents concern a 17-year-old new recruit who was transferred to a specialised clinic in Paris due to the seriousness of his condition. His condition recorded slight improvement earlier this week. The teenager begun feeling unwell following a physical exercise at the camp last Friday morning. He was initially taken to Larnaca general from where he was rushed to the ICU of the Nicosia general hospital.

Another recruit, aged 18, who was serving at the same location also felt unwell around 4pm on Thursday. After seeing the camp doctor, he was taken to the Nicosia general hospital where he remains intubated in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit.

Defence Ministry spokesman Andreas Stylianou said two separate investigations are conducted to determine the causes behind the conscripts’ conditions. He noted that medical professionals have not concluded regarding the cause of the young men unwellness.

“Once we have the medical findings for both cases, we will determine the necessary actions,” he said.

Media reported that the defence minister visited the Stavrouvouni camp because he wanted to evaluate the training environment, observe the morning exercise, and speak with the recruits to understand the prevailing conditions.

In the meantime, the defence ministry continues to implement the measures already in place to protect conscripts from extreme temperatures. These measures include ensuring access to cold water, positioning health professionals near training and exercise areas for immediate intervention if needed, and providing ceiling fans in rooms without air conditioning, Stylianou added.

This latest series of incidents follows several cases of heatstroke recorded among elderly residents during a heatwave last month.