The American Heart Association is launching its Nation of Lifesavers mobile CPR unit at FIFA Fan Festivals in four U.S. host cities starting next week, offering Hands-Only CPR training to thousands of soccer fans during one of the world’s largest sporting events. The initiative, announced during National CPR and AED Week (June 1-7), underscores the critical need for bystander intervention in cardiac emergencies, where immediate CPR can double or triple survival rates.
More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals in the U.S. each year, yet over half of victims do not receive CPR before emergency responders arrive, according to the American Heart Association. The mobile unit will be stationed at FIFA Fan Festivals in Atlanta, Dallas, and Philadelphia from June 10 through July 19, and at the New York New Jersey Fan Zone in the Bronx on June 13-14, as well as the Central Park Mini Pitch from June 10 through July 19. These festivals, part of the global soccer championship run by FIFA, are expected to draw thousands of international visitors.
“By offering Hands-Only CPR instruction at FIFA Fan Festivals, thousands of people can join the Nation of Lifesavers and help more communities feel prepared to take action when every second counts,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. The organization, recently identified by the Annenberg Public Policy Center as the most trusted public health information source after personal healthcare providers, aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.
Hands-Only CPR, which involves calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest without rescue breaths, is effective for teens and adults in the first few minutes of an emergency. The mobile unit will allow fans to practice the technique on mannequins, learn to recognize cardiac arrest signs, and build confidence to act. “Soccer has a unique ability to unite communities across cultures and generations,” said Andrew Massey, FIFA Medical Director. “By incorporating Hands-Only CPR training into the FIFA Fan Festival experience, fans can leave with more than memories from the tournament — they can leave with the confidence to help save a life during a cardiac emergency.”
This marks the American Heart Association’s first appearance at a FIFA event and its 10th major national sporting event presence, following appearances at Super Bowls and NFL Drafts. The collaboration with FIFA Medical, which often uses competitions to promote health legacies, aims to leave a lasting public health impact. With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside hospitals occurring at home, knowing CPR can help save a loved one. Volunteers 18 and older can sign up to assist at heart.org/FIFAFanFestival. No prior medical experience is required.
Fans can learn Hands-Only CPR in 90 seconds at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR and join the Nation of Lifesavers at heart.org/nation.
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