The American Heart Association is set to host a free one-hour webinar on September 30 at 1 p.m. CT, aimed at equipping youth sports coaches and league leaders with the tools to respond to cardiac emergencies. The initiative comes in response to alarming statistics showing that sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for student-athletes nationwide, with nearly 75% of cases among young athletes occurring in basketball, football, and soccer players.
The webinar will focus on Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) and safe play practices, reflecting the association's commitment to improving cardiac emergency preparedness. It also advances the goals of its Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which seeks to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030 by empowering more people to act in emergencies.
Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of preparedness: “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.” She noted that through collaboration with the NFL Foundation, the association is helping coaches create safer environments for young athletes and their families.
Attendees will learn how to strengthen emergency preparedness within their leagues through CERP best practices, safe play strategies, and practical guidance for responding to cardiac emergencies. The session will help participants understand the essential components of an effective CERP, including preparedness strategies, AED access, and emergency action protocols. They will also learn the actions coaches and sports leaders should take before, during, and after a cardiac emergency, and how to apply safe play practices that protect athletes and build confidence among families and communities.
The American Heart Association is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education, and training, and publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR. According to the 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. Acting immediately can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival.
In 2023, the NFL launched the Smart Heart Sports Coalition in collaboration with founding members including the NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL, NCAA, the American Heart Association, and others. The coalition advocates for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based public policies that prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students. According to the American Heart Association, more than 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital annually, and about 40% of those occur among student-athletes.
Advanced online registration is required for the webinar. To register, visit the Heart of the Game Webinar page.
