The American Heart Association is hosting a free one-hour webinar on September 30 at 1 p.m. CT to equip youth sports coaches and league leaders with the tools they need to respond to sudden cardiac arrest, the leading cause of death among student-athletes nationwide. According to the organization, nearly 75% of cardiac arrest cases in young athletes occur during basketball, football, and soccer. The webinar will focus on Cardiac Emergency Response Plans and safe play practices, aiming to improve emergency preparedness and support the Association's Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which seeks to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.
“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,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “Through our work with the NFL Foundation, we're helping equip coaches with the knowledge, resources, and confidence they need to create safer environments for young athletes and their families.”
The session will teach attendees the essential components of an effective Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, including preparedness strategies, AED access, and emergency action protocols. Participants will also learn what actions coaches and sports leaders should take before, during, and after a cardiac emergency, as well as safe play practices and available resources that help 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, about 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, the American Heart Association, and others. The coalition advocates for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based public policies that prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students. According to the American Heart Association, more than 23,000 children under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital annually, and about 40% of those occur among student-athletes.
The webinar underscores the importance of preparedness in youth sports, where the risk of sudden cardiac arrest is significant. By providing coaches and league leaders with the knowledge and resources to respond effectively, the American Heart Association aims to create safer environments for young athletes and increase survival rates. Registration is required and can be completed online at the Heart of the Game Webinar page.
