PHILADELPHIA — At the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, Major League Baseball (MLB) and the American Heart Association teamed up to teach life-saving CPR skills to thousands of fans, addressing the critical gap in bystander response to cardiac arrest. According to the American Heart Association, when cardiac arrest occurs outside a hospital, survival rates remain low because CPR is often not administered immediately.
During All-Star Week, fans visiting the Capital One All-Star Village in Philadelphia participated in Hands-Only CPR education led by certified trainers. Over 2,500 attendees learned how to perform chest compressions at the proper depth and pace. Research shows that Hands-Only CPR can be as effective as conventional CPR during the first critical moments of response. The process is simple: call 911 if a teen or adult collapses unexpectedly, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
“Bringing Hands-Only CPR training to the All-Star Village allowed us to connect directly with thousands of fans and equip them with skills that can save lives,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “Every year, cardiac arrest affects hundreds of thousands of people outside of hospital settings. Immediate CPR can significantly improve survival outcomes, which is why expanding access to training remains a top priority for us.”
The collaboration is part of the Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. 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, according to the Association.
“We are thankful that the American Heart Association was once again a part of the MLB All-Star Game and are encouraged by the number of fans who were instructed on Hands-Only CPR at All-Star Village,” said Jon Coyles, senior vice president of drug, health & safety programs at Major League Baseball. “As a proud member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition and supporter of the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers movement, MLB was honored to provide a platform at our jewel event for the Association to turn more fans into lifesavers.”
The American Heart Association and MLB are founding members of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, established by the National Football League in 2023. The coalition aims to pass policies to prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students. To date, more than 30 states require school athletic events to implement Emergency Action Plans, clearly marked AEDs at venues, and CPR and AED education for coaches.
The Nation of Lifesavers Mobile CPR Unit has appeared at major sporting events including the Super Bowl, NFL Draft, and NBA All-Star Weekend. Learning CPR takes just minutes but has the power to save a life. To get involved and become a lifesaver, visit Nation of Lifesavers.
