The American Heart Association announced it will bring its Nation of Lifesavers mobile CPR unit to FIFA Fan Festivals in four U.S. host cities starting June 10, offering Hands-Only CPR training to thousands of fans attending the global soccer championship. The initiative, held in collaboration with FIFA Medical, seeks to address the more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests that occur annually in the United States, where immediate CPR can double or triple survival odds.
From June 10 through July 19, the mobile unit will be stationed at FIFA Fan Festivals in Atlanta, Dallas, and Philadelphia. Additionally, it will appear at the New York New Jersey Fan Zone in the Bronx from June 13-14 and at the Central Park Mini Pitch from June 10 through July 19. These events are expected to draw diverse crowds, providing a unique opportunity to spread lifesaving skills. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests happen at home, making bystander CPR critical.
"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 as a lifesaver in a cardiac emergency."
The Nation of Lifesavers movement aligns with the Association's goal to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. The American Heart Association, recently identified by the Annenberg Public Policy Center as the most trusted public health information source after personal healthcare providers, emphasizes that Hands-Only CPR is simple: call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Fans can practice on mannequins at the mobile unit and learn to recognize cardiac arrest signs.
Andrew Massey, FIFA Medical Director, highlighted the unique platform soccer provides: "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." FIFA Medical often leverages competitions to develop legacy health campaigns with long-term public health benefits.
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 organization encourages volunteers to help teach CPR at the festivals; no medical experience is required. More details and sign-up information are available at heart.org/FIFAFanFestival. Those unable to attend can learn Hands-Only CPR online at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.
The initiative underscores the importance of bystander intervention, as immediate CPR can significantly improve survival chances. By integrating training into a globally celebrated event, the American Heart Association aims to create a lasting impact on public health preparedness.
