The New York Giants Foundation has partnered with the American Heart Association to address critical gaps in cardiac emergency response by providing comprehensive CPR training resources to 12 New Jersey school districts. The initiative aims to equip students, faculty, and staff with life-saving skills that could potentially double or triple survival rates during cardiac emergencies.
According to American Heart Association data, nearly 90% of people who experience cardiac arrest outside hospitals die, often due to delayed or absent CPR. By distributing CPR in Schools kits and automated external defibrillators (AEDs), the program seeks to create a network of trained community members capable of providing immediate intervention.
The participating school districts, spanning from Hackensack to East Orange, will receive kits containing 10 Hands-Only CPR manikins and 10 AED training tools. Three schools will additionally receive AED devices, further enhancing their emergency response capabilities. This comprehensive approach addresses a critical need, as approximately 23,000 individuals under 18 experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually, with nearly 40% occurring during sports-related activities.
The initiative aligns with the NFL's Smart Heart Sports Coalition's broader mission to implement evidence-based policies preventing fatal cardiac outcomes among high school students. By focusing on immediate recognition and action during cardiac emergencies, the program represents a proactive approach to community health and safety.
