In an effort to combat the more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests that occur annually in the United States, the American Heart Association is launching a major public health initiative during the FIFA World Cup. From June 10 through July 19, the Association will station its Nation of Lifesavers mobile CPR unit at FIFA Fan Festivals in Atlanta, Dallas, and Philadelphia, as well as at fan zones in New York City. The festivals, part of the global soccer championship, are expected to draw thousands of international visitors, providing a unique platform to teach life-saving skills.
The initiative aligns with National CPR and AED Week, observed June 1-7, and supports the Association's goal to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. Immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival, yet more than half of cardiac arrest victims do not receive CPR before emergency responders arrive. The Hands-Only CPR technique, which involves calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest, is simple enough for anyone to learn.
The mobile CPR unit will be at the FIFA Fan Festivals in Atlanta (June 10-July 19), Dallas (June 10-July 19), and Philadelphia (June 10-July 19). In New York City, it will appear at the New York New Jersey Fan Zone in the Bronx on June 13-14 and at the Central Park Mini Pitch from June 10 through July 19. The initiative is organized in collaboration with FIFA Medical, the medical and health division of FIFA, which often uses competitions to promote lasting health campaigns.
“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.” The American Heart Association, recently identified as the most trusted public health information source after personal healthcare providers by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, aims to empower more people to act in emergencies.
“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. Volunteers are needed in select host cities to help teach CPR; no prior medical experience is required. Details and sign-up information are available at heart.org/FIFAFanFestival. Volunteers must be 18 and older.
This marks the American Heart Association's first appearance at a FIFA event and its 10th at a major national sporting event, following appearances at Super Bowls and NFL Drafts. With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests happening at home, learning CPR can help save someone you love. For more information, visit heart.org/nation or take 90 seconds to learn Hands-Only CPR at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.
