American Heart Association Brings Hands-Only CPR Training to FIFA Fan Festivals in Four U.S. Host Cities
The American Heart Association will teach Hands-Only CPR at FIFA Fan Festivals in Atlanta, Dallas, Philadelphia, and New York, aiming to equip thousands with lifesaving skills during the global soccer tournament.
The American Heart Association is bringing its Nation of Lifesavers mobile CPR unit to FIFA Fan Festivals in four U.S. host cities starting next week, offering fans the opportunity to learn Hands-Only CPR during one of the world's largest sporting events. From June 10 through July 19, the unit will be stationed at festivals in Atlanta, Dallas, and Philadelphia, as well as at the New York New Jersey Fan Zone in the Bronx and the Central Park Mini Pitch in New York City. This initiative marks the Association's first appearance at a FIFA event and aligns with National CPR and AED Week, observed June 1-7.
More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals in the United States each year, and immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival. However, more than half of those who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not receive CPR before emergency responders arrive. The American Heart Association, identified by the Annenberg Public Policy Center as the most trusted public health information source after an individual's personal health care provider, aims to address this gap. The Association's goal is to double survival rates of cardiac arrest by 2030 through its Nation of Lifesavers movement.
“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, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. The training is simple: call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Fans visiting the mobile CPR unit will practice Hands-Only CPR, learn to recognize cardiac arrest, and build confidence to act in an emergency.
The collaboration with FIFA Medical underscores the importance of health initiatives at major sporting events. “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 Association's 10th appearance at a major national sporting event, having previously provided CPR training at Super Bowls, NFL Drafts, and the NBA All-Star Game. With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside the hospital happening at home, knowing CPR can help save a loved one. Volunteer opportunities are available for those interested in helping teach Hands-Only CPR at the festivals; no prior medical experience is required. Additional details and volunteer sign-up information can be found at heart.org/FIFAFanFestival. To learn Hands-Only CPR and join the Nation of Lifesavers, visit heart.org/nation.