The rescuers from Crete sweeping International Awards – The story behind the team’s creati
Source: ProtoThema English
In every competition they enter, they return with yet another award and fresh recognition of their high caliber. The EMS of Crete team, made up of experienced paramedics and doctors in the pre-hospital care field—many of whom serve in the National Center for Emergency Care (EKAV) of Crete—has managed to stand out not just for its achievements, but for its passion and dedication to the mission of saving lives. Since its founding in 2006, born from a desire to give back, the team has remained committed to a clear vision: continuous improvement, knowledge-sharing, and the advancement of frontline services that save lives.
Their most recent triumph—taking first place in the 6th Cyprus Ambulance Crew Competition—is more than just another award. It’s a recognition of a collective effort, a spirit of teamwork, and a tradition that honors the memory of those who inspired the creation of EMS of Crete. Behind every medal and success lies the soul of people who never stop learning, training, and serving—with their hearts always turned toward humanity.
Team member Manolis Rokadakis spoke to the Athens News Agency (APE-MPE) about the creation of EMS of Crete in 2006.
“We’re people who deeply love what we do, and for us, improving ourselves is essential. The idea was to observe other teams up close—how they operate, how they implement protocols, what they do differently, what they do better, or what we do better and should develop further,” said Mr. Rokadakis, holding their most recent award from Cyprus, unable to hide his joy.
The event in question was the 6th Cyprus Ambulance Crew Competition (EMS Cyprus Aphrodite Rally 2025), held in Paralimni, Cyprus, from October 2–4. Competing teams were faced with realistic emergency scenarios, with EMS of Crete taking first place among 33 teams.
“These scenarios mimic real-life conditions, and the goal is to handle each case in the best possible way,” emphasized Rokadakis, who added that these successes fuel and motivate the team to keep going.
“It brings great joy because, to be honest, we prepare intensively before each competition. So, every win feels like a reward for our efforts and reassures us that our hard work isn’t in vain,” he said. Through such awards, he added, the quality and level of Greek pre-hospital care professionals is also highlighted.
“Being able to stand out shows the high level of expertise in Greece’s pre-hospital sector. I think we demonstrate not only our motivation but also our knowledge and capabilities—something the government should take even more seriously by further supporting pre-hospital care in terms of training and medical equipment, so we can reach European standards.”
Dr. Michalis Zervopoulos, also a team member, explained that such distinctions can motivate more professionals in the field to get involved. Regardless of how the state supports pre-hospital care, he stressed that:
“We can take initiative ourselves—continuing to evolve, stay informed, and strive to become better.”
One of the most significant aspects of the team is the story behind its founding, and especially the two people who inspired it—the late Dimitris Vourvachakis, Director of EKAV Crete, and the late Vangelis Kelarakis, an EKAV Crete paramedic. Both tragically lost their lives in an ambulance crash on December 12, 2012, while en route to a first-aid seminar in Rethymno.
“Dimitris Vourvachakis and Vangelis Kelarakis were our leaders, and this team was their vision. We are continuing what they started in their memory, trying to keep that vision alive,” added Manolis Rokadakis, who noted that even today, the team feels the presence of both men on every mission.
“They’re with us because we constantly have them in our minds. We even wear the date they passed away on our uniforms during competitions,” said Rokadakis.
Their international recognition is so strong that in competitions they’ve participated in—not only are Vourvachakis and Kelarakis remembered to this day, but honorary awards are given in their names, particularly in Cyprus, where entire training scenarios are dedicated to them.
The team has already participated and earned distinctions in countries beyond Cyprus, including the Czech Republic, Turkey, and Poland, and they have received invitations to competitions in Norway and the UK. According to the team members, these international events help them stay updated on new protocols, emerging trends, and developments in other pre-hospital systems.
As Dr. Zervopoulos summed it up:
“Ultimately, it’s not about competing with others—it’s a competition with ourselves and our own desire to improve.”
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