The American Heart Association is offering a free webinar designed to equip youth sports coaches and league leaders with the tools needed to respond to cardiac emergencies, a critical issue given that sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for student-athletes nationwide. Nearly 75% of these incidents among young athletes occur during basketball, football, and soccer, according to a study cited by the organization.
Scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m. CT, the one-hour webinar will focus on Cardiac Emergency Response Plans and safe play practices. The initiative is part of the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030 through increased public preparedness and action.
“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,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “Through our work with the NFL Foundation, we’re helping equip coaches with the knowledge, resources and confidence they need to create safer environments for young athletes and their families.”
Attendees will learn how to strengthen emergency preparedness within their leagues by understanding the essential components of an effective Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, including preparedness strategies, AED access, and emergency action protocols. The webinar will also cover the actions coaches and sports leaders should take before, during, and after a cardiac emergency, as well as how to apply safe play practices that protect athletes and build confidence among families and communities.
The American Heart Association is a worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education, and training, and publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR. According to the organization, 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.
The webinar builds on the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, launched in 2023 by the NFL in collaboration with founding members including the NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL, NCAA, and the American Heart Association. The coalition advocates for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based public policies to prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students. The American Heart Association notes that more than 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital annually, with about 40% of those occurring among student-athletes.
Advanced online registration is required for the webinar. To register, visit the Heart of the Game Webinar page.
