The Oklahoma State University (OSU) men's basketball team has taken a significant step towards improving community health and safety by participating in the American Heart Association's Hands-Only CPR training. This initiative is part of the Association's Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by 2030.
The importance of this training cannot be overstated. According to American Heart Association data, 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, largely because they do not receive immediate CPR more than half of the time. However, CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person's chance of survival.
The OSU basketball team's involvement extends beyond just learning the lifesaving skill. During their recent game against Southern Methodist University at Gallagher-Iba Arena, the team raised funds to support the American Heart Association's mission through the Eddie Sutton Foundation. Furthermore, they donated two American Heart Association CPR in Schools kits to local high schools, underwritten by Devon Energy. These kits, which include training manikins and AED training resources, will continue to deliver community education on the correct techniques for CPR and AED use.
Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized the critical nature of this initiative: "Early recognition and action in a cardiac emergency is 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."
The significance of this training is underscored by the fact that nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital occur in homes. With more than 350,000 people in the US experiencing an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year, the need for widespread CPR knowledge is clear.
OSU men's basketball coach Steve Lutz expressed pride in his team's participation, stating, "Learning Hands-Only CPR is a skill that extends beyond the court and into our everyday lives. We are proud to support the American Heart Association's mission to save lives."
This initiative aligns with recent legislative actions in Oklahoma. As part of the Smart Hearts Sports Coalition, the American Heart Association successfully advocated for a statewide policy requiring cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs) in all public schools and school athletic facilities. This policy, signed into law on July 10, 2024, will better prepare 1,805 public school sites in the state to respond to cardiac emergencies, potentially impacting nearly 700,000 students and over 42,000 teachers, along with additional staff and visitors.
The American Heart Association's efforts, including its participation in the NFL-founded Smart Heart Sports Coalition, aim to prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students across all 50 states. This is particularly crucial given that as many as 23,000 children under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital annually, with about 40% occurring among student-athletes.
As the American Heart Association celebrates its centennial year, initiatives like this CPR training with the OSU basketball team demonstrate the organization's ongoing commitment to improving public health and saving lives. By empowering communities with lifesaving skills, the Association continues to work towards its vision of advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
