The American Heart Association is hosting a free webinar on September 30 at 1 p.m. CT to help youth sports coaches and league leaders prepare for cardiac emergencies. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for student-athletes, with nearly 75% of cases occurring in basketball, football, and soccer players. The webinar will focus on Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) and safe play practices, aligning with the association's Nation of Lifesavers™ movement 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. The webinar is part of a collaboration with the NFL Foundation to equip coaches with knowledge and resources for safer sports environments.
Attendees will learn the essential components of an effective CERP, including preparedness strategies, AED access, and emergency action protocols. They will also identify actions to take before, during, and after a cardiac emergency, and apply safe play practices that protect athletes and build confidence among families and communities. The session is designed to strengthen emergency preparedness within leagues, ensuring that coaches are ready to act quickly in critical moments.
The American Heart Association is a global leader in resuscitation science and training, publishing official 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. Immediate action can double or triple survival chances. In 2023, the NFL launched the Smart Heart Sports Coalition 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 policies to prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students.
Each year, more than 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of hospitals, with about 40% occurring among student-athletes. This webinar addresses a critical need for preparedness in youth sports. Advanced registration is required, and interested participants can sign up at the Heart of the Game Webinar link. The American Heart Association, supported by over 35 million volunteers, continues to drive breakthroughs in science, policy, and care to improve heart health and save lives.
