The American Heart Association announced that FIFA World Cup fans have performed more than 800,000 chest compressions during Hands-Only CPR training at Fan experiences in Dallas, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and New York. This initiative, a collaboration between the Heart Association and FIFA, represents one of the largest public CPR education efforts in the organization's history.
More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States, and immediate CPR can double or triple survival rates. However, many bystanders hesitate to act due to lack of training. To address this, the American Heart Association deployed its Mobile CPR Unit to FIFA Fan events, where over 8,000 attendees have received hands-on training in recognizing cardiac arrest and performing the two steps of Hands-Only CPR: calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest.
"More than 800,000 CPR training compressions practiced by fans are proof of how quickly people can build the confidence to act when every second counts," said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. "Still, more than half of people who have a cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not receive CPR before professional help arrives. By bringing Hands-Only CPR training to FIFA Fan events, we're helping more people feel ready to act - and the life they save is likely to be someone they love."
This effort is part of the Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. With nearly three-quarters of cardiac arrests occurring at home, knowing CPR can save a loved one. The Heart Association is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science and publishes the official CPR guidelines.
"We are delighted to use the global reach of football to promote lifesaving initiatives like CPR," said Andrew Massey, FIFA Medical Director. "Through FIFA Fan Experiences, we can reach thousands of people and extend these critical skills far beyond the pitch."
The American Heart Association will continue its presence at FIFA Fan experiences in the coming weeks, aiming to reach thousands more with the confidence to act during emergencies. For more information on Hands-Only CPR, visit heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.
