What's Changing with the New Legislation?

The new legislation taking effect in 2026 brings significant changes for Greek businesses. For the first time, first aid training becomes mandatory for companies with 50 or more employees. Greek Law 5239/2025 on first aid is the most important workplace health and safety legislation of the past decade.

In Detail: What Article 39 of Law 5239/2025 Provides

Training Obligation

According to Article 39, paragraph 1, all businesses with 50 or more employees per workplace are required to train at least 50% of their staff in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and management of choking (Heimlich maneuver). Mandatory CPR training for businesses is now a legal obligation, not an optional benefit.

Which Businesses Are Affected: A Detailed Look

Based on number of employees:

50-99 employees: Train 50% of staff
100-249 employees: Train 50% of staff
250+ employees: Train 50% of staff + additional requirements

Based on sector:

Industries and factories
Hotels and tourist businesses
Restaurants and mass catering venues
Shopping centers and retail stores
Gyms and sports facilities
Private schools and training centers
Hospitals and clinics (additional requirements)
Offices and service-providing companies
Construction companies

Law 5239/2025 on workplace first aid applies across all sectors, regardless of the nature of the business. The 50-employee threshold triggers the training obligation.

What the Mandatory Training Includes

1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Hands-on training in chest compressions and rescue breathing. Employees learn to recognize cardiac arrest and respond immediately. Training includes practical exercises on high-fidelity manikins.

2. Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Training in the correct use of an AED, including electrode pad placement and interpretation of voice prompts. The workplace AED requirement is a critical element of the legislation, since having an AED at an accessible location can increase survival chances by up to 70%.

3. Choking Management (Heimlich Maneuver)

Instruction in the airway-clearing technique for choking incidents in adults and children. The Heimlich maneuver is particularly important in catering venues and educational institutions.

Fines and Sanctions for Non-Compliance

Administrative Fines

In case of non-compliance, businesses face serious sanctions. Fines for failing to provide first aid training range from €500 to €50,000 per violation. In addition, the law provides for the suspension of business operations for up to 6 days and criminal sanctions in serious cases of negligence.

Additional Legal Implications

In the event of an accident where no trained personnel were present, the business faces increased civil liability, criminal liability for those in charge, and in some cases the cancellation of insurance coverage. Staff first aid training in Athens by a certified provider protects the business from these sanctions.

Timeline: When You Need to Comply

Immediate Actions (Now - December 2025)

Assess needs and the number of employees to be trained
Select a certified training provider
Schedule training sessions

Training (January - June 2026)

Train at least 50% of staff
Issue ERC certificates

Maintenance (Every 3 Years)

Renew certificates
Train new personnel

How to Choose a Certified Training Provider

Selection Criteria:

ERC (European Resuscitation Council) certification — the gold standard in first aid
Experience in corporate training — specialization in businesses and organizations
Training at your premises — convenience and minimal work disruption
Medical professionals as instructors — doctors and paramedics, not just trainers
End-to-end solutions — training + AED + maintenance from a single provider

ERC certification under Law 5239 is the key selection criterion. Only certified ERC instructors can issue valid certificates recognized by inspecting authorities. The certified first aid training provider you choose should have experience training businesses, not just individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Law 5239/2025

Do ALL employees need to be trained?

No, at least 50% of staff per workplace. For example, a company with 60 employees must train at least 30 people.

Are older certificates still valid?

It depends on the issuer and the date. ERC certificates are valid for 3 years and are renewed through refresher training.

What if I have 30 employees?

The law applies to businesses with 50+ employees. However, staff first aid training is strongly recommended for all employers, regardless of size.

How long does the training take?

Basic CPR/AED training lasts 4-6 hours. Specialized programs (Bleeding Control, Trauma Management) can be tailored to your needs.

Can training be held at our premises?

Absolutely. On-site training is a specialty of experienced providers like PulseGuard. We come to your location with full equipment and create realistic scenarios.

What fines apply for non-compliance?

Fines range from €500 to €50,000 depending on the severity of the violation. In addition, there is a risk of civil and criminal liability in case of an accident.

How much does training cost for businesses?

The cost depends on the number of employees. PulseGuard offers special rates for groups of 20+, 50+, and 100+ people with training at your location.

How long does it take to organize the training?

PulseGuard can organize on-site training within approximately 10 days of initial contact. We offer flexible scheduling to avoid disrupting your operations.

How Can You Prepare?

PulseGuard takes full responsibility for your compliance with Law 5239/2025 on first aid:

Needs assessment and risk evaluation
Certified CPR/AED training at your location
AED installation with proper signage
Ongoing maintenance and certificate renewal

Don't wait until the last minute. Contact us today for a free assessment and a tailored quote for staff first aid training in Athens.

Law 5239/2025: Mandatory Training | PulseGuard