Senior Bowl Players Learn Life-Saving CPR Skills as Part of Nation of Lifesavers Movement

Potential NFL Draft prospects participating in the Reese's Senior Bowl learned critical life-saving skills during the event's Community Service Day, as the American Heart Association trained players and coaches in Hands-Only CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) usage.

The training comes at a crucial time, with American Heart Association data revealing that 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, often due to a lack of immediate CPR. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed immediately can double or triple a person's chance of survival.

Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, emphasized the significance of the training, stating that early recognition and action during a cardiac emergency can mean the difference between life and death. By teaching these skills to potential NFL players, the organization aims to spread awareness and preparedness across communities.

The initiative is part of the Nation of Lifesavers movement, with cardiac arrest survivor and Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin serving as the national ambassador. Hamlin's own experience of receiving CPR and AED treatment during a nationally televised football game underscores the critical importance of these life-saving skills.

This training also aligns with broader efforts to improve cardiac emergency response. The NFL recently launched the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, collaborating with organizations like the American Heart Association to advocate for policies that prevent fatal cardiac events among student-athletes.

With nearly three-quarters of cardiac arrests occurring outside hospitals, primarily in homes, the CPR training represents a significant step in empowering individuals to respond effectively during medical emergencies. By teaching Hands-Only CPR—which involves calling 911 and performing chest compressions—the program provides a straightforward, accessible method for potential life-saving intervention.

The Reese's Senior Bowl's executive director, Jim Nagy, noted that this training goes beyond football, providing players with a valuable life skill that extends far beyond the playing field. By equipping these athletes with CPR knowledge, the program creates potential lifesavers who can make a difference in their communities.