The American Heart Association is taking a significant step to address the leading cause of death among student-athletes by hosting a free one-hour webinar focused on cardiac emergency preparedness. With nearly 75% of cardiac arrest cases among young athletes occurring in basketball, football, and soccer, the need for trained coaches and robust response plans has never been more critical.
Scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m. CT, the webinar aims to equip youth sports coaches and league leaders with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively to sudden cardiac arrest. This initiative is part of the American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers movement, which seeks to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030. The movement emphasizes empowering individuals to act confidently in emergencies, and this webinar is a direct extension of that mission.
“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, chief executive officer 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 webinar will cover essential components of an effective Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, including preparedness strategies, automated external defibrillator (AED) access, and emergency action protocols. Participants will learn the actions coaches and sports leaders should take before, during, and after a cardiac emergency. Additionally, the session will highlight safe play practices and available resources that help protect athletes and build confidence among families and communities.
The importance of such training cannot be overstated. According to the American Heart Association, roughly 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 even triple a person's chances of survival. With more than 23,000 children under 18 experiencing cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year, and about 40% of those cases occurring among student-athletes, the need for preparedness is urgent.
The American Heart Association's efforts are part of a broader movement to improve cardiac emergency preparedness across the nation. In 2023, the NFL launched the Smart Heart Sports Coalition in collaboration 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 public policies that prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students. This webinar is a practical step toward that goal, providing coaches and league leaders with actionable strategies to implement immediately.
The webinar is free but requires advanced online registration. Interested participants can register at the [Heart of the Game Webinar](https://www.heart.org/en/events/calendar/heart-of-the-game-webinar) page. By participating, youth sports leaders will be better prepared to handle cardiac emergencies, potentially saving lives and creating safer environments for young athletes.
This initiative underscores the American Heart Association's commitment to equitable health in all communities and its role as a leading source of health information. With more than 35 million volunteers globally, the organization continues to fund groundbreaking research, advocate for public health, and provide critical resources to save lives. This webinar is a vital resource for anyone involved in youth sports, offering the tools and confidence needed to respond when every second counts.
