American Heart Association Webinar Aims to Bolster Cardiac Emergency Preparedness in Youth Sports

The American Heart Association is set to host a free webinar on September 30 at 1 p.m. CT, aimed at equipping youth sports coaches and league leaders with the tools needed to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death among student-athletes nationwide, with nearly 75% of cases in young athletes occurring during basketball, football, and soccer, according to a study published in Clinical Cardiology (https://doi.org/10.1002/clc.24095).

The webinar, titled 'Heart of the Game Webinar,' will focus on developing and implementing Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs), which are critical for ensuring that athletes have the best possible chance of survival in the event of a cardiac emergency. The session aligns with the American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030 by empowering more individuals to take action during emergencies.

'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.'

Attendees will learn about the essential components of an effective CERP, including preparedness strategies, automated external defibrillator (AED) access, and emergency action protocols. They will also gain practical guidance on the actions coaches and sports leaders should take before, during, and after a cardiac emergency, as well as safe play practices that can help protect athletes and build confidence among families and communities.

The importance of such preparedness is underscored by statistics: according to the American Heart Association, roughly 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of 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. Additionally, more than 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital annually, with about 40% of those cases occurring among student-athletes.

The webinar is part of a broader effort to improve cardiac emergency preparedness in youth sports. 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.

Advanced online registration is required for the webinar. To register, visit the Heart of the Game Webinar page (https://www.heart.org/en/events/events-calendar/heart-of-the-game-webinar). The session is free and open to all youth sports coaches, league leaders, and other interested stakeholders.