The American Heart Association is taking steps to address the leading cause of death among student-athletes by hosting a free webinar focused on cardiac emergency preparedness. Sudden cardiac arrest accounts for nearly 75% of cases in young athletes, with basketball, football, and soccer players being the most affected. The webinar, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m. CT, will provide coaches and league leaders with the knowledge and resources to implement effective Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) and safe play practices.
This initiative is part of the association's Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of preparedness: "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." The webinar is developed in collaboration with the NFL Foundation, reflecting a broader effort to enhance safety in youth sports.
During the one-hour session, participants will learn the essential components of an effective CERP, including preparedness strategies, AED access, and emergency action protocols. They will also gain insights into the actions coaches should take before, during, and after a cardiac emergency, as well as safe play practices that protect athletes and build confidence among families and communities.
The urgency of such training is underscored by statistics: roughly 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, often because CPR is not started quickly enough. Immediate action can double or even triple a person's chances of survival. In 2023, the NFL launched the Smart Heart Sports Coalition with founding members including the NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL, NCAA, and the American Heart Association. The coalition advocates for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based policies to prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students. More than 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year, with about 40% occurring among student-athletes.
Advanced online registration is required for the webinar. To register, visit the Heart of the Game Webinar page. The American Heart Association, a global leader in resuscitation science and training, publishes the official guidelines for CPR and continues to provide critical resources to save lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke.
