The teaching of basic life support at school: a note in the European context

• Author(s): Boné, Maria ; Bonito, Jorge
• Date: 2025
• Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10174/38245
• Origin: Repositório Científico da Universidade de Évora
• Subject(s): Basic life support; School; Citizenship; Europe
• Document Type: Journal article
• Language: English

Description

Teaching basic life support (BLS) in schools is crucial to empower students to act in emergency situations. Several studies highlight the effectiveness of teacher training, as they become knowledge multipliers in BLS. This documentary study frames BLS in five European countries that have legislated its teaching in schools and characterizes teaching and assessment methodologies. The results point to the improvement of students' skills in identifying emergency situations and activating emergency services. Furthermore, the dissemination of BLS knowledge contributes to strengthening the chain of survival and saving lives. It is concluded that BLS education in schools is essential for shaping citizens prepared to act in critical situations, promoting community safety and well-being.