Abstract:

First aid training in the school environment has been globally recognized as an effective strategy for promoting student safety and health. However, the implementation of specific policies aimed at strengthening this training still faces significant challenges.

Preventable accidents remain a serious problem for child health in Brazil. In 2023, more than 119,000 hospitalizations due to unintentional injuries were recorded among children aged 0 to 14 years, including falls, choking, burns, drowning, and poisoning. Among these incidents, falls stand out as one of the main causes of child hospitalization, highlighting the urgent need to adopt effective preventive measures in environments frequently attended by children, such as schools.

In Brazil, this initiative was strengthened with the enactment of Law No. 13,722/2018, known as the Lucas Law, which made first aid training mandatory for teachers and staff in both public and private basic education schools. Despite the progress represented by this legislation, significant challenges remain regarding its effective implementation, particularly related to resource availability, continuing professional development for educators, and regional inequalities across educational systems.

This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis between the Lucas Law and policies or guidelines related to first aid training in the school environment adopted in other countries. The research adopts a qualitative approach and is based on the analysis of official documents, legislation, and institutional guidelines from countries such as Argentina, Portugal, Chile, Colombia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The analysis seeks to identify and understand the central characteristics of these policies, including implementation strategies, the actors involved, and the role of non-governmental or private organizations in training initiatives. Additionally, the study examines the development of a safety culture in schools by investigating how awareness of the importance of first aid training is disseminated among educators, parents, and students and how this influences the success of school safety policies.

The results indicate that, despite the advances promoted by the Lucas Law, significant challenges persist in Brazil, including limited financial resources, the absence of continuous training programs, and regional inequalities. International experiences demonstrate that integrating first aid training into the school curriculum, ensuring periodic certification for educators, and promoting intersectoral collaboration are effective strategies for strengthening a culture of safety in schools.

The comparative analysis suggests that first aid training should be considered both an educational priority and a shared responsibility among all members of the school community. The implementation of the Lucas Law represents an important step toward improving student safety in schools. The adoption of more effective public policies, combined with institutional support and adequate investment, can contribute to creating safer school environments for all students.

Therefore, the findings highlight the need for effective changes to promote safer educational environments for basic education students, emphasizing prevention rather than relying solely on corrective actions.

Keywords:

First Aid Education, School Safety, Teacher Training, Educational Public Policy, Comparative Education.