More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals in the United States each year, and immediate CPR can double or triple survival rates. In recognition of National CPR and AED Week (June 1-7), the American Heart Association is deploying its Nation of Lifesavers mobile CPR unit to FIFA Fan Festivals in four U.S. host cities, starting June 10. The initiative, in collaboration with FIFA Medical, aims to train thousands of soccer fans in Hands-Only CPR during the global tournament.
From June 10 through July 19, the mobile unit will be present at FIFA Fan Festivals in Atlanta, Dallas, and Philadelphia. Additionally, it will appear at the New York New Jersey Fan Zone in the Bronx on June 13-14 and at the Central Park Mini Pitch from June 10 through July 19. These venues are expected to draw large crowds from around the world, providing a unique opportunity to teach life-saving skills.
Hands-Only CPR, which involves calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest, is effective for teens and adults in the first few minutes of a cardiac emergency. The American Heart Association, recognized as the most trusted public health information source after personal healthcare providers (according to the Annenberg Public Policy Center), emphasizes that nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside hospitals happen at home, making bystander CPR crucial.
“By offering Hands-Only CPR instruction at FIFA Fan Festivals, thousands of people can join the Nation of Lifesavers and help more communities feel prepared to take action when every second counts,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “More than half of people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital don’t receive CPR before emergency responders arrive. That’s why we are committed to ensuring more people are trained, confident, and ready to act.”
FIFA Medical Director Andrew Massey highlighted the synergy between soccer and health: “Soccer has a unique ability to unite communities across cultures and generations. By incorporating Hands-Only CPR training into the FIFA Fan Festival experience, fans can leave with more than memories from the tournament—they can leave with the confidence to help save a life during a cardiac emergency.”
This marks the American Heart Association’s first appearance at a FIFA event and its 10th at a major national sporting event, following previous appearances at Super Bowls, NFL Drafts, and the NBA All-Star Game. The initiative supports the Association’s goal to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030 by empowering more people to act in emergencies.
Fans visiting the mobile unit can practice Hands-Only CPR, learn to recognize cardiac arrest, and build confidence. Volunteer opportunities are available for those aged 18 and older to help teach CPR at the festivals; no medical experience is required. More information and sign-up details are at heart.org/FIFAFanFestival. To learn Hands-Only CPR in 90 seconds, visit www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.
