The Chicago Bears collaborated with the American Heart Association to deliver essential lifesaving skills training during the Illinois High School Association Girls Flag Football State Finals on October 19, 2024. More than 150 youth athletes, coaches, and league administrators received hands-on instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator use. According to AHA data, 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital do not survive, largely due to lack of immediate CPR, but prompt CPR can double or triple survival chances.
Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, stated that early recognition and action in cardiac emergencies are the difference between life and death, emphasizing the importance of having confident bystanders who can begin CPR immediately. The training utilized the AHA's CPR in Youth Sports Kits, which include manikins and AED training tools. Participants learned Hands-Only CPR, a technique involving calling 911 and then pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest that can be as effective as traditional CPR in the first minutes of emergency response.
Tanesha Wade, executive vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion & chief impact officer at the Chicago Bears, highlighted how growing football participation creates need for continued emergency education, noting that today's athletes are pioneers who will increase awareness around CPR education for future generations. This event is part of broader initiatives to improve cardiac emergency preparedness in sports and communities. The American Heart Association, as a founding member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition established by the NFL in 2023, advocates for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based public policies to prevent fatal cardiac arrest outcomes among high school students.
The need for such training is underscored by AHA statistics showing approximately 23,000 children under 18 experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually, with about 40% occurring among student-athletes, making it a leading cause of death for student-athletes nationwide. This collaboration represents a significant step in creating more prepared communities by empowering youth with lifesaving skills that enhance sports safety and contribute to overall community well-being. As participants carry this knowledge into daily life, they become vital links in the chain of survival for emergencies occurring in schools, homes, and public spaces.
With nearly 3 out of 4 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring in homes, widespread CPR knowledge is crucial, and initiatives like this play a key role in building a nation of lifesavers where more bystanders can perform CPR confidently. As the American Heart Association celebrates its centennial year in 2024, this event demonstrates ongoing commitment to improving heart health and saving lives through partnerships that advance health and hope for everyone.
