The American Heart Association and the National Football League are joining forces to address a critical public health challenge by expanding CPR education during the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With only 10% of cardiac arrest victims surviving outside hospital settings, the organizations aim to dramatically improve community emergency response capabilities.
At the NFL Draft Experience in Lambeau Field, the Heart Association's Mobile CPR Unit will provide free Hands-Only CPR instruction from April 24-26. Participants will learn critical skills to perform compression-only CPR, which can double or triple a person's chance of survival during a cardiac emergency.
The initiative was sparked by Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest during a 2023 Monday Night Football game. Hamlin, now recovered, serves as the National Ambassador for the Nation of Lifesavers movement, helping inspire broader community engagement in life-saving techniques.
The program targets a significant public health issue: approximately 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside hospitals annually, with nearly 40% of these events occurring during sports activities. By providing comprehensive CPR training and advocating for cardiac emergency response plans in schools, the organizations seek to improve survival rates.
NFL Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson emphasized the importance of preparing the entire NFL community to respond effectively during medical emergencies. The initiative represents a multi-year commitment to transform bystanders into potential lifesavers across the United States.
