The American Heart Association is hosting a free one-hour webinar on September 30 at 1 p.m. CT to help youth sports coaches and league leaders prepare for cardiac emergencies. This initiative comes as sudden cardiac arrest remains the leading cause of death for student-athletes nationwide, with nearly 75% of cases occurring in basketball, football, and soccer players.
The webinar, aligned with the Association's Nation of Lifesavers movement, aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. According to the American Heart Association, more than 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year, with about 40% occurring among student-athletes.
"Every athlete deserves to play in an environment that is prepared for the unexpected. When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, having a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan in place and people who know how to act can make the difference between life and death," said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. "Through our work with the NFL Foundation, we're helping equip coaches with the knowledge, resources, and confidence they need to create safer environments for young athletes and their families."
The session will teach attendees the essential components of an effective Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, including preparedness strategies, AED access, and emergency action protocols. Participants will also learn how to identify actions to take before, during, and after a cardiac emergency, and how to apply safe play practices that protect athletes and build confidence among families and communities.
The American Heart Association is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education, and training. According to the Association, about 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital do not survive, often because CPR is not started quickly enough. Acting immediately can double or even triple a person's chances of survival.
In 2023, the NFL launched the Smart Heart Sports Coalition in collaboration with the NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL, NCAA, the American Heart Association, and others. The coalition advocates for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based public policies that prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students.
Advanced online registration is required for the webinar. To register, visit the Heart of the Game webinar page. This event reflects the Association's ongoing commitment to improving cardiac emergency preparedness and creating safer environments for young athletes.
