The Las Vegas Raiders and the American Heart Association have collaborated to provide CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) training to 12 local schools, aiming to improve cardiac emergency outcomes in the community. On January 23, representatives from these schools gathered at Kenneth Divich Elementary School to receive comprehensive training and resources. According to American Heart Association data, nearly 90% of people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, often due to delayed or absent CPR. Immediate CPR can potentially double or triple a person's chance of survival. The training focuses on Compression-Only CPR, also known as Hands-Only CPR, which can be equally effective in the first few minutes of an emergency response.
The participating schools, including Kenneth Divich Elementary, Southern Highlands Preparatory School, and Somerset Academies, received CPR in Schools kits containing 10 Hands-Only CPR manikins, 10 AED training tools, and curriculum to train students, faculty, staff, and parents. Three schools additionally received an AED device. Kari Uyehara, Executive Director of the Raiders Foundation, emphasized the organization's commitment to building healthier communities through this partnership. The initiative aligns with the NFL's Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which advocates for evidence-based policies to prevent cardiac arrest fatalities among high school students. The American Heart Association reports that approximately 23,000 people under 18 experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually, with nearly 40% related to sports activities. By providing comprehensive training and resources, this program seeks to empower communities with life-saving skills and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes during cardiac emergencies.
This partnership matters because it directly addresses a significant public health gap in cardiac emergency preparedness, particularly in school settings where sports-related incidents are prevalent. The American Heart Association highlights that immediate bystander CPR is crucial, as survival rates drop rapidly without intervention. The program's focus on training students, faculty, and parents creates a multiplier effect, potentially saving lives beyond the school environment. The inclusion of AED training is critical, as these devices can restore normal heart rhythms in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, complementing CPR efforts. The collaboration with the Las Vegas Raiders leverages the team's community influence to raise awareness and drive participation, while aligning with broader national efforts like the NFL's Smart Heart Sports Coalition to standardize emergency response protocols in youth sports.
The implications of this announcement extend to long-term community health resilience, as trained individuals can respond effectively not only in schools but also in public spaces, homes, and workplaces. By equipping schools with manikins and AED training tools, the program ensures sustainable education rather than a one-time event, fostering a culture of preparedness. This initiative could serve as a model for other NFL teams and organizations to replicate, potentially reducing the national burden of cardiac arrest fatalities. The emphasis on evidence-based practices, such as Compression-Only CPR, ensures that training is accessible and effective, removing barriers for lay responders. Ultimately, this partnership underscores the importance of cross-sector collaborations in addressing health emergencies, where timely action can mean the difference between life and death.
