This month, we had the pleasure of welcoming our European partners to Madrid for the SAFE4EU – Saving Lives: First Aid for Sport Teachers and Coaches project, an initiative that aims to improve safety in sport by providing first aid training for coaches, physical education teachers and other sports professionals.
The project was developed in response to a need identified across several European countries. In Spain, Italy and Romania, it has become evident that many coaches and sports educators have not received specialised first aid training tailored to the sporting environment.
Every year, numerous medical emergencies occur in sports facilities, ranging from minor injuries to life-threatening situations. In these cases, a prompt and appropriate response can make a critical difference. SAFE4EU therefore aims to equip sports professionals with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills they need to respond effectively in emergency situations.
During this project meeting in Madrid, the project partners took part in a practical first aid training session delivered by Dr Alejandro Robles Caballero. Throughout the session, participants received both theoretical and hands-on instruction on emergency response protocols for a range of situations, including the initial assessment of an emergency, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), responding to choking incidents, managing traumatic injuries and dealing with other common emergencies that may arise in sports settings.
The training gave participants the opportunity to practise essential life-saving procedures in a safe learning environment while discussing real-life scenarios that can occur during sports activities involving children, young people and adults.
At Red Deporte Foundation, we believe that sport should always take place in safe and protective environments for everyone. We are therefore proud to be part of the SAFE4EU project and to contribute to the development of training programmes and practical resources that help save lives and strengthen safety in sport across Europe.