Chicago Bears and American Heart Association Partner to Train Youth Athletes in CPR

In a significant move to improve cardiac emergency response, the Chicago Bears and the American Heart Association (AHA) joined forces to provide critical lifesaving skills training at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Girls Flag Football State Finals on October 19, 2024. The event saw more than 150 youth athletes, coaches, and league administrators learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use, enhancing their ability to respond effectively in cardiac emergencies.

This initiative comes at a crucial time, as AHA data reveals that 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital do not survive, largely due to the lack of immediate CPR. The training aims to address this alarming statistic by empowering more individuals with the skills to perform CPR, which can double or triple a person's chance of survival if administered promptly.

Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of early recognition and action in cardiac emergencies. "When seconds matter, it is important to have people nearby who are confident and capable of beginning administering CPR," Brown stated. The event aligns with the AHA's mission as it celebrates 100 years of lifesaving work, moving closer to ensuring widespread preparedness for CPR administration.

The training utilized the AHA's CPR in Youth Sports Kits, which include manikins and AED training tools. Participants learned Hands-Only CPR, a compression-only technique that can be as effective as traditional CPR in the first few minutes of emergency response. This method is particularly important as nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside of hospitals occur in homes.

Tanesha Wade, executive vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion & chief impact officer at the Chicago Bears, highlighted the significance of this partnership in the context of the growing sport of flag football. "As the game of football grows, there will be a need for continued education for participants to improve outcomes in medical emergencies," Wade noted, emphasizing the role of these young athletes in increasing awareness around CPR education.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the NFL and the American Heart Association through the Smart Heart Sports Coalition. The coalition is advocating for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based public policies to prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students. This is particularly crucial given that up to 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of hospitals annually, with about 40% occurring among student-athletes.

The importance of this training extends beyond the sports field. With most cardiac arrests occurring in homes, equipping more people with CPR skills could significantly impact survival rates in communities. The event not only trained participants but also provided them with resources to continue education efforts, as the training kits will be donated for ongoing community use.

As the American Heart Association continues its efforts to create a "Nation of Lifesavers," partnerships like this with the Chicago Bears play a vital role in reaching diverse communities and age groups. By targeting youth athletes, the initiative helps build a generation of individuals prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies, potentially saving countless lives in the future.

This collaboration between a major sports franchise and a leading health organization sets a powerful example for other entities to follow, demonstrating how sports can be leveraged to promote critical health skills and awareness. As more such initiatives take root across the country, the collective impact on cardiac emergency preparedness and response could be substantial, ultimately leading to improved survival rates and healthier communities.