Child from Greece undergoes emergency surgery in Bodrum after sea ambulance transfer
A child diagnosed with appendicitis on the Greek island of Leros was transported by sea ambulance to Bodrum, Türkiye, where the child underwent surgery after doctors determined that the operation could not safely be performed on the island.
According to the Bodrum Sea Rescue Association, the child, identified by the initials Ç.S., was on holiday with family on Leros when the child suddenly became ill and was taken to a hospital on the island.
Doctors diagnosed the child with appendicitis. Further examinations, however, also revealed a serious cardiac condition, raising additional risks associated with surgery.
Greek doctors determined that the operation could not safely be carried out with the medical facilities available on Leros because of the child's cardiac risks and decided that the patient should be transferred to Türkiye.
Sea ambulance dispatched to Leros
A medical transfer operation was subsequently coordinated by the Turkish Coast Guard Command.
The Bodrum Sea Rescue Association's sea ambulance, “Yaşam,” traveled to the island's port and transported the child across the Aegean Sea to Bodrum.
Upon arrival in Bodrum, the child was met at the port by a 112 Emergency Health team and transferred to Bodrum State Hospital.
The child underwent surgery at the hospital and remains under medical care, according to the report.
The case highlights the importance of cross-border emergency medical coordination in the Aegean, particularly for residents and visitors on Greek islands located close to the Turkish coast.
