The American Heart Association is hosting a free webinar on September 30 at 1 p.m. CT to help youth sports coaches and league leaders prepare for cardiac emergencies. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for student-athletes nationwide, with nearly 75% of cases among young athletes occurring in basketball, football and soccer players. The session aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to implement effective Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) and safe play practices.
The webinar is part of the association's Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which seeks 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."
Participants will learn the essential components of a CERP, including preparedness strategies, AED access, and emergency action protocols. The session will also cover actions to 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 American Heart Association is a global leader in resuscitation science and publishes the official CPR guidelines. According to the association, 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 triple survival chances. More than 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital annually, with about 40% occurring among student-athletes.
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 preventing fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students.
Advanced online registration is required for the webinar. To register, visit Heart of the Game Webinar.
