The Los Angeles Rams partnered with the American Heart Association to provide comprehensive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training to representatives from 22 local schools. The initiative took place in the Rams' locker room at SoFi Stadium and addresses a critical public health need. According to American Heart Association data, nearly 90% of people experiencing cardiac arrest outside hospitals die, often because immediate CPR is not performed. CPR, when administered quickly, can potentially double or triple a person's chance of survival.
The program equipped schools with CPR in Schools kits, which include 10 Hands-Only CPR manikins and 10 AED training tools. Five participating schools also received an AED device. The training focused on teaching correct compression rates and depths, empowering students and staff to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies. Participating schools span Los Angeles County, representing diverse educational institutions from elementary to high school levels. The training aligns with the NFL's broader initiative to promote CPR education across different levels of community engagement.
Johnathan Franklin, Rams senior director of social justice and football development, emphasized the program's significance in expanding community emergency response capabilities. The initiative supports the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which advocates for evidence-based policies to prevent fatal cardiac outcomes among students. The American Heart Association reports that approximately 23,000 individuals under 18 experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually, with nearly 40% related to sports activities. By providing comprehensive training and resources, the Rams and American Heart Association are working to address this critical public health challenge.
Compression-only CPR, or Hands-Only CPR, offers a simplified approach to emergency response. The technique involves calling 911 when a teen or adult suddenly collapses and then performing consistent, hard, and fast chest compressions. This partnership represents a strategic effort to build community resilience through practical education and resource distribution. The collaboration leverages the Rams' platform and the American Heart Association's expertise to create sustainable impact in school environments where rapid response can mean the difference between life and death.
