The American Heart Association is set to host a free one-hour webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m. CT, designed to equip youth sports coaches and league leaders with essential tools to respond to cardiac emergencies. This initiative comes in response to sudden cardiac arrest being the leading cause of death for student-athletes, with nearly 75% of cases among young athletes occurring in basketball, football, and soccer, according to a study cited by the association.
The webinar will focus on Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) and safe play practices, reflecting the association's commitment to improving cardiac emergency preparedness and advancing its Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030. Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, emphasized the critical 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."
Attendees will learn how to strengthen emergency preparedness within their leagues through CERP best practices, safe play strategies, and practical guidance for responding to cardiac emergencies. The session will cover the essential components of an effective CERP, including preparedness strategies, AED access, and emergency action protocols. Additionally, participants will identify the actions coaches and sports leaders should take before, during, and after a cardiac emergency, and apply safe play practices and available resources to protect athletes and build confidence among families and communities.
The American Heart Association is a worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education, and training, and publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR. 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. Acting immediately can double or even triple a person's chances of survival.
In 2023, the NFL launched the Smart Heart Sports Coalition in collaboration 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 public policies to prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students. More than 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital annually, 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.
