(NewMediaWire) - November 19, 2024 - PHOENIX — The American Heart Association and the Arizona Cardinals gathered representatives from 12 local schools for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training on Nov. 18 at Pima Elementary School in Scottsdale. According to American Heart Association data, Nearly 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, in part because they do not receive immediate CPR more than half of the time. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.

“Early recognition and action in a cardiac emergency are the difference between life and death. When seconds matter it is important to have people nearby who are confident and capable to begin administering CPR. This event with the Arizona Cardinals is helping to support that critical link in the community,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “As we celebrate 100 years of lifesaving work, we know that with every CPR training we perform we are one step closer to ensuring that everyone, everywhere is prepared and empowered to perform CPR and become a vital link in the chain of survival.”

The American Heart Association is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education and training, and publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR. With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital occurring in homes, knowing how to perform CPR is critically important. With more people ready to perform CPR, the chance for a positive recovery increase for the community.

The schools receiving CPR in Schools kits are:

• Cochise Elementary School
• Cherokee Elementary School
• Tavan Elementary School
• Kiva Elementary School
• Anasazi Elementary School
• Hopi Elementary School
• Hohokam Elementary School
• Navajo Elementary School
• Yavapai Elementary School
• Redfield Elementary School
• Cheyenne Traditional School
• Pima Elementary School

In addition to the training, the Cardinals are donating resources for schools to bring these lifesaving skills back to their campuses and continue to build confidence and capabilities to respond in cardiac emergency. Each of the 12 schools received a CPR in Schools kit and three of the schools attending received an AED. The CPR in Schools kits include 10 Hands-Only CPR manikins and 10 AED training tools and curriculum to train additional students, faculty, staff and parents. The attending representatives learned the correct rate and depth of compressions and how to use their new resources.

Compression-only CPR, known as Hands-Only CPR, can be equally effective as traditional CPR in the first few minutes of emergency response and is a skill everyone can learn. It is as simple as calling 911 if you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse and then push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

“Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is crucial because it can significantly improve a person’s chance of survival during cardiac arrest or other emergencies,” said John Burch, captain of the Glendale Fire Department and Arizona Cardinals alumni. “As a former player for the Arizona Cardinals and a current EMT, I’m grateful to be part of this event because every day is an opportunity to make a difference.”

Last year, 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 aims to advocate for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based policies to help prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students. The American Heart Association reports that as many as 23,000 people under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital every year, with nearly 40% being sports related. It is a leading cause of death for student-athletes. Implementing these simple, cost-effective strategies across all 50 states can save lives.  

Additional Resources:

• Spanish news release (to be added when available)
• Bystander CPR | Bystander CPR Infographic (PDF) 
• Hands-Only CPR Resources
• Hands-Only CPR vs CPR with Breaths 
• Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
• Reducing Disparities for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest – Community Toolkit: English and Spanish versions available
• Take 90 seconds to learn how to save a life at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR. 

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About the American Heart Association 

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

For Media Inquiries:

American Heart Association: Linzy Cotaya, linzy.cotaya@heart.org  

Arizona Cardinals: Clint Cohen, CCohen@cardinals.nfl.net

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org