The “ABC SAVES LIVES”: A Schoolteacher-Led Basic Life Support Program in Navarra, Spain

Abstract

To implement a teacher-led basic life education program in schools. Design thinking methodology was used to develop a comprehensive program to make teachers competent and confident in the delivery of Basic Life Support (BLS), and then to independently implement teaching programs in their school’s community. Specific teaching material and training manikins were provided by the “ABC Save Lives association.” Training was open to all but focused on physical education teachers at all schools in the region. Between 2011 and 2019, 1,726 teachers from 208 schools [35% preschool-primary, 28% secondary, 28% private schools partly funded by public funds; 9% vocational] participated in the program. Sixty percent (619) were physical education teachers, who trained 59465 students. All schools have progressively been supplied with at least five BLS manikins each. In 2014, the regional government of Navarra approved mandatory BLS education in physical education in primary and secondary schools. With adequate education and proper support, physical education teachers can independently implement a Basic Life Support program in their schools aiming to increase bystander cardio-pulmonary resuscitation competencies. Furthermore, the Basic Life Support education increases students’ confidence of social responsibilities and awareness of cardiac arrest as a public health problem.