First Aid Legislation in Spain
In Spain, several key pieces of legislation require first aid training in schools to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. Below are the main laws and regulations related to first aid training in schools:
1. Ley de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales (Law 31/1995 on the Prevention of Occupational Risks) This law establishes the general framework for workplace health and safety in Spain, including requirements for first aid in educational settings, especially for staff. It outlines the obligation of employers (including schools) to ensure the safety and health of their employees and students, which includes providing first aid training.
2. Real Decreto 39/1997 (Royal Decree 39/1997 on the Regulation of Occupational Risk Prevention Services) This decree establishes regulations for the prevention of occupational risks and includes guidelines for first aid training, especially for personnel in educational institutions, to ensure they can respond to emergencies effectively.
3. Ley Orgánica 2/2006 de Educación (Organic Law 2/2006 on Education) This law includes references to the need for promoting safety and health education in schools. Though not specific to first aid, it emphasises the importance of fostering a culture of safety, which can include first aid training.
4. Real Decreto 156/2008 (Royal Decree 156/2008 on the Basic Curriculum for Education) This decree specifies the curriculum for compulsory education in Spain, which can include the teaching of basic first aid skills in schools. It aligns with the aim to integrate health education into school curricula.
5. Ley 4/2011 (Law on Civil Protection of Emergencies in the Autonomous Communities) Each autonomous community in Spain can have specific regulations for emergency and civil protection measures, which may include first aid training requirements for schools.
6. Real Decreto 2177/2004 (Royal Decree 2177/2004 on First Aid in Schools) This decree focuses on the establishment of first aid measures in schools, specifying the need for staff to be trained in basic first aid and emergency care.
7. Ley 17/2015 de Protección Civil y Emergencias (Law 17/2015 on Civil Protection and Emergencies) This law mandates that all public institutions, including schools, must be prepared for emergency situations, which includes having trained personnel capable of providing first aid and responding to emergencies.
8. Reglamento de la Ley 31/1995 (Regulation of the Prevention of Occupational Risks) This regulation reinforces the requirement for first aid training in the workplace, including schools, and specifies how schools should implement health and safety programs, including first aid training for staff.
9. Autonomous Community Regulations In addition to national regulations, each autonomous community in Spain may have its own rules regarding first aid training in schools. These regulations may require specific training standards for educational staff to ensure a safe environment.
10. Curriculum Requirements (First Aid in School Education) In line with the Ministry of Education's guidelines, first aid education has been incorporated into the curriculum for students, particularly in secondary education. This includes educating students on basic first aid practices, such as CPR, how to handle injuries, and emergency protocols.
Summary: In Spain, schools are required by law to ensure that first aid training is available to both staff and students. National and regional laws mandate the integration of first aid training into the educational environment, aiming to prepare staff for emergencies and promote safety in schools.
Spanish legislation incorporates first aid training into the educational curriculum and establishes requirements for assistance in schools. Below are the main regulations and their relevant sections:
1. Law 2/1987, of February 9, on School Health - Article 9: Requires all educational centres to have the necessary means to provide first aid assistance, with at least the equipment determined by the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs. - Article 10: Obligates each school to establish an emergency response plan, without prejudice to the competencies of other authorities.
2. Law 17/2015, of July 9, on the National Civil Protection System - Article 6: Recognises the right of all citizens to be informed by public authorities about significant collective risks, the measures in place to address them, and the actions to take to prevent them.
3. Royal Decree 157/2022, of March 1, establishing the curriculum and minimum teachings for Primary Education - Primary Education (3rd and 4th grade): Includes basic knowledge on accident prevention in physical activities and body control mechanisms to avoid injuries. - Primary Education (5th and 6th grade): Adds content on the PAS (Protect, Alert, Aid) protocol and the recovery position.
4. Royal Decree 217/2022, of March 29, establishing the curriculum and minimum teachings for Secondary Education - 1st and 2nd year of ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education): Introduces content on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated or semi-automated external defibrillators (AED). - 3rd and 4th year of ESO: Covers how to respond to choking incidents (airway obstruction) and how to recognise stroke symptoms.
5. Royal Decree 243/2022, of April 5, establishing the curriculum and minimum teachings for the Baccalaureate - Students are expected to analyse risks and respond using first aid materials, including knowledge on land and water safety, the PAS protocol, CPR, AED use, choking response, and stroke recognition.
These regulations highlight the importance of first aid training from primary education through high school, ensuring that students acquire essential skills to act in emergency situations.
Spain's AED Legislation in Schools by Autonomous Community
Andalucia
Normativa en AndaluciaRegulation: Decree 22/2012, regulating AED installation and use.
School Requirement: Mandatory AEDs in educational centers with high public attendance.
Training & Compliance: At least one trained staff member must be present during school hours.
Aragon
Normativa en AragónRegulation: Decree 30/2019, establishing AED obligations.
School Requirement: Encourages AED presence in educational institutions.
Training & Compliance: Requires proper signage, maintenance, and staff training.
Asturias
Normativa en AsturiasRegulation: Decree 54/2016, governing AED use in public spaces.
School Requirement: Recommends AED placement in schools but not mandatory.
Training & Compliance: Schools providing AEDs must ensure staff are trained.
Balearic Islands
Normativa en BalearsRegulation: Decree 137/2008, regulating AED use in public places.
School Requirement: Encourages AED installation in educational centers.
Training & Compliance: Requires personnel training and maintenance adherence.
Basque Country
Normativa en EuskadiRegulation: Decree 9/2015, mandating AED presence in certain locations.
School Requirement: Public schools must install AEDs based on risk assessment.
Training & Compliance: Schools must train staff and conduct periodic checks.
Canary Islands
Normativa en CanariasRegulation: Decree 157/2015, establishing AED requirements.
School Requirement: Schools with over 1,500 students must have an AED.
Training & Compliance: Staff members must receive accredited first aid training.
Cantabria
Normativa en CantabriaRegulation: Decree 14/2017, concerning AED placement and use.
School Requirement: AEDs recommended but not compulsory.
Training & Compliance: If installed, AEDs must be maintained and personnel trained.
Castilla-La Mancha
Normativa en C. La ManchaRegulation: Decree 4/2018, regulating AED use.
School Requirement: Public institutions, including schools, must have an AED.
Training & Compliance: Regular training and signage for AED locations are required.
Castilla y León
Normativa en C. LeónRegulation: Decree 9/2008, governing AED installations.
School Requirement: AEDs recommended in schools but not mandated.
Training & Compliance: If installed, AEDs must be fully operational and accessible.
Catalonia
Normativa en CatalunyaRegulation: Decree 151/2012, defining AED installation in public spaces.
School Requirement: AEDs required in schools with high student capacity.
Training & Compliance: Schools must provide AED training to designated staff.
Ceuta & Melilla
Normativa en MelillaRegulation: No specific regional law, follows national guidelines on AED placement.
School Requirement: Encouraged in public institutions, including schools.
Training & Compliance: If installed, must be maintained and staff trained.
Community of Madrid
Normativa en MadridRegulation: Decree 78/2017, regulating AED use.
School Requirement: Schools with high attendance must install AEDs.
Training & Compliance: Schools must provide certified AED training to staff.
Extremadura
Normativa en ExtremaduraRegulation: Decree 10/2008, setting AED requirements.
School Requirement: Schools encouraged but not obligated to have AEDs.
Training & Compliance: Mandatory staff training if an AED is installed.
Galicia
Normativa en GaliciaRegulation: Decree 99/2005, governing AED use in public spaces.
School Requirement: AEDs are optional but strongly encouraged in schools.
Training & Compliance: Staff training required where AEDs are available.
La Rioja
Normativa en La RiojaRegulation: Decree 48/2008, outlining AED regulations.
School Requirement: AEDs recommended for schools with large student bodies.
Training & Compliance: AED maintenance and staff training are required if installed.
Murcia
Normativa en MurciaRegulation: Decree 337/2010, defining AED obligations.
School Requirement: Mandatory for schools with over 1,500 students.
Training & Compliance: AEDs must be inspected and staff properly trained.
Navarra
Normativa en NavarraRegulation: Decree 6/2019, mandating AEDs in public buildings.
School Requirement: AEDs required in larger educational institutions.
Training & Compliance: Schools must train staff and maintain AEDs.
Valencian Community
Normativa en ValenciaRegulation: Decree 159/2017, regulating AED presence in public spaces.
School Requirement: AEDs required in schools with over 1,500 students.
Training & Compliance: Schools must ensure proper signage, accessibility, and staff training.
Key Takeaways
Some regions mandate AEDs in schools, especially where student populations exceed 1,500.
Many autonomous communities recommend AEDs but do not legally require them.
Training & maintenance are common obligations where AEDs are installed.
Schools in all communities are encouraged to provide first aid training for AED use.