In a significant move to enhance community health and safety, the Chicago Bears have teamed up with the American Heart Association (AHA) to bring critical lifesaving skills to youth athletes in Chicago. The partnership, which took place at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Girls Flag Football State Finals on October 19, provided cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training to more than 150 participants, including young athletes, coaches, and league administrators.
The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. According to AHA data, 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital do not survive, largely due to the lack of immediate CPR intervention. The training provided by this partnership aims to dramatically improve these odds by equipping more community members with the skills and confidence to respond effectively in cardiac emergencies.
Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized the critical nature of this training: "Early recognition and action in a cardiac emergency are the difference between life and death. When seconds matter, it is important to have people nearby who are confident and capable of beginning administering CPR." This event, she noted, is a crucial step in strengthening the community's chain of survival.
The training utilized the AHA's CPR in Youth Sports Kits, which include manikins and AED training tools. Participants learned Hands-Only CPR, a technique that can be as effective as traditional CPR in the first few minutes of emergency response. This method, which involves calling 911 and then pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest, is easy to learn and remember, making it an ideal skill for community members of all ages.
The Chicago Bears' involvement in this initiative reflects a growing awareness of the importance of CPR education in sports. Tanesha Wade, executive vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion & chief impact officer at the Chicago Bears, stated, "As the game of football grows, there will be a need for continued education for participants to improve outcomes in medical emergencies." This partnership not only addresses an immediate need but also sets a precedent for future generations in sports.
The collaboration between the NFL team and the AHA is part of a broader effort to improve cardiac emergency outcomes across the nation. The AHA is a founding member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, established by the NFL in 2023, which advocates for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based public policies to prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students. This is particularly crucial given that as many as 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of hospitals annually, with about 40% occurring among student-athletes.
The impact of this initiative extends beyond the immediate participants. By donating the training kits to continue community education efforts, the program ensures a lasting effect on Chicago's preparedness for cardiac emergencies. This approach aligns with the AHA's goal of creating a "Nation of Lifesavers," where more bystanders are equipped with the knowledge and skills to perform CPR, thereby increasing the chances of positive outcomes in cardiac emergencies.
As the American Heart Association celebrates its centennial year in 2024, this partnership with the Chicago Bears represents a significant step towards its vision of advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. By bringing lifesaving skills directly to youth athletes and their communities, the initiative not only enhances immediate safety but also cultivates a culture of health awareness and emergency preparedness that can benefit generations to come.
