During the 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia, Major League Baseball (MLB) and the American Heart Association partnered to offer Hands-Only CPR training to fans at the Capital One All-Star Village. The initiative aimed to address the low survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, where immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival. Over 2,500 attendees received walk-up instruction from certified trainers, learning to push hard and fast in the center of the chest until emergency services arrive.
Hands-Only CPR has been shown to be as effective as conventional CPR during the first critical moments. The process involves calling 911 and performing chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute. The American Heart Association, which publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR, emphasizes that roughly 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, often because bystanders are not trained or hesitate to act.
“Bringing Hands-Only CPR training to the All-Star Village allowed us to connect directly with thousands of fans and equip them with skills that can save lives,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “Every year, cardiac arrest affects hundreds of thousands of people outside of hospital settings. Immediate CPR can significantly improve survival outcomes, which is why expanding access to training remains a top priority for us.”
This activation is part of the Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. The American Heart Association and MLB are founding members of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, established by the NFL in 2023 to promote policies preventing fatal cardiac arrest among high school students. The coalition advocates for emergency action plans, AED placement within 1-3 minutes of athletic venues, and CPR/AED education for coaches.
Jon Coyles, MLB’s senior vice president of drug, health & safety programs, stated: “We are thankful that the American Heart Association was once again a part of the MLB All-Star Game and are encouraged by the number of fans who were instructed on Hands-Only CPR at All-Star Village. As a proud member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition and supporter of the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers movement, MLB was honored to provide a platform at our jewel event for the Association to turn more fans into lifesavers by offering education and training on lifesaving skills.”
The American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers Mobile CPR Unit has appeared at major sporting events including the Super Bowl, NFL Draft, MLB All-Star Weekend, and NBA All-Star Weekend. By integrating training into high-profile events, the organizations aim to create a culture where bystanders are prepared to act in cardiac emergencies.
