Canary Islands Launches First-Aid Training Program for Sports Officials

Safety in Canary Islands sports is getting a boost thanks to a new first-aid training program for referees and judges. Developed by the Canary Islands School of Health and Social Services (ESSSCAN) and the regional Sports department, the initiative aims to ensure officials are prepared to handle medical emergencies on the field.

Part of the "Proyecto Ganar" (Winning Project), the program consists of ten in-person workshops split between Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The six-hour course is currently open to officials in football, basketball, baseball, sailing, and volleyball, with plans to expand to other sports in the future. The project is supported by the Canary Institute of Sports Arbitration (ICAD) and the Elder Museum Canary Foundation.

The training recognizes that referees are often the first people on the scene when an injury occurs. The curriculum covers the "PAS" protocol—protect, alert, and assist—as well as life-saving skills like CPR and clearing blocked airways. Participants will also learn how to manage various medical issues, including fractures, heavy bleeding, seizures, and sudden changes in health.

Beyond technical skills, the goal is to help referees stay calm and effectively coordinate emergency responses during high-pressure situations. By training officials to act as a vital link in the chain of survival, the regional government hopes to make sports safer, providing an immediate safety net for athletes until professional medical help arrives.