NFL Players Join American Heart Association to Promote Lifesaving CPR Education

In a significant public health initiative, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Football League (NFL) are teaming up to promote lifesaving CPR education across the United States. The collaboration, which includes the appointment of NFL players as CPR ambassadors, aims to address the critical need for immediate bystander response in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

According to recent data from the AHA, more than half of all people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospitals do not receive immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This lack of immediate action results in a staggering 90% mortality rate. However, the AHA emphasizes that learning the fundamentals of Hands-Only CPR takes just 90 seconds and can double or triple a person's chance of survival.

The initiative has already shown promising results. A survey conducted by the AHA reveals that the percentage of U.S. adults who feel confident in performing CPR has increased from 30% to 35% between 2021 and 2023. This improvement is attributed to recent efforts by the AHA and partners like the NFL to create a 'Nation of Lifesavers.'

As part of the campaign, the AHA has unveiled its 2024-2025 Nation of Lifesaver Ambassador Class, comprising current NFL players who will support efforts to build awareness of lifesaving CPR. These ambassadors will amplify public service announcements, create social media content, and participate in local community education events.

The collaboration between the AHA and NFL extends beyond public awareness. The NFL Foundation is providing CPR grants to each team to increase CPR access in community neighborhoods. These grants have funded Hands-Only CPR training, Heartsaver CPR AED training, and the placement of CPR kits in schools and youth sports programs. Additionally, all 32 NFL teams have received funds to place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in local youth sports programs, schools, and community areas.

The initiative also focuses on educating children about CPR. According to the AHA, children as young as 9 can perform CPR, while those as young as 4 can support by calling 911. The NFL is supporting kid-focused CPR education through the AHA's in-school programs, offering incentives such as Super Bowl tickets and school equipment upgrades to encourage participation.

This partnership is part of a broader effort to address the issue of cardiac arrest in young people. The AHA reports that as many as 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of hospitals annually, with about 40% occurring among student-athletes. In response, the NFL has established the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which advocates for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based public policies to prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students.

The importance of this initiative is underscored by the fact that nearly 75% of cardiac arrests outside of hospitals occur in homes. The AHA and NFL are urging everyone to learn Hands-Only CPR, which involves chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute to a depth of approximately two inches.

As the AHA celebrates its centennial year in 2024, this collaboration with the NFL represents a significant step towards its goal of doubling survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030. By leveraging the popularity and reach of the NFL, the AHA aims to create a nationwide network of individuals prepared to respond effectively in cardiac emergencies, potentially saving thousands of lives each year.