The Los Angeles Rams have significantly expanded community emergency preparedness by partnering with the American Heart Association to provide comprehensive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training to representatives from 22 local schools.
According to American Heart Association data, nearly 90% of people experiencing cardiac arrest outside a hospital die, often because immediate CPR is not performed. By training school representatives in life-saving techniques, the Rams and American Heart Association aim to dramatically improve community emergency response capabilities.
During the training session held at SoFi Stadium, school representatives learned critical skills including the correct rate and depth of chest compressions and AED usage. Each participating school received a CPR in Schools kit containing 10 Hands-Only CPR manikins and 10 AED training tools, enabling them to further train students, faculty, staff, and parents.
The program aligns with the NFL's broader initiative to promote CPR education, particularly in light of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition's goal to implement evidence-based policies preventing cardiac arrest among students. The American Heart Association reports that approximately 23,000 individuals under 18 experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually, with nearly 40% of cases related to sports activities.
Johnathan Franklin, Rams senior director of social justice and football development, emphasized the importance of equipping community members with lifesaving skills. By providing training and resources, the Rams are helping to create a network of potential first responders who can act quickly during medical emergencies.
Compression-only CPR, or Hands-Only CPR, offers a simplified approach that can be equally effective in the first few minutes of an emergency. This technique involves calling 911 and performing continuous chest compressions, making it accessible for individuals with minimal medical training.
The training initiative represents a significant step toward improving community health outcomes by empowering individuals with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies. By targeting schools across the Los Angeles area, the Rams and American Heart Association are creating a potential lifeline for thousands of students and community members.
