Duke University Athletes Train in Life-Saving CPR Techniques

On Tuesday, July 22, Duke University's men's basketball and football teams took a significant step towards becoming lifesavers by participating in the American Heart Association's Hands-Only CPR training. This initiative aimed to educate the athletes on the correct rate and depth of CPR compressions, preparing them to act confidently in the face of a cardiac emergency. With nearly 90% of people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital dying due to the lack of immediate CPR, the training underscores the critical importance of bystander intervention.

Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, 'Every year, hundreds of thousands of cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals — often with no warning and no time to spare.' The Duke student-athletes' participation in this training makes them the newest members of the Association's Nation of LifesaversTM, an initiative launched in 2023 to foster CPR and AED awareness across communities nationwide.

The American Heart Association, a global leader in resuscitation science, emphasizes the importance of CPR knowledge, especially since nearly three out of four cardiac arrests occur at home. Kevin Siesel, head football athletic trainer at Duke University, praised the training sessions for being both engaging and empowering, equipping the team with the confidence to act in emergencies. The simplicity of Hands-Only CPR, which involves calling 911 and performing chest compressions, makes it an accessible skill for everyone, potentially doubling or tripling a victim's chance of survival.

This collaboration between Duke University and the American Heart Association not only prepares student-athletes to respond to emergencies but also contributes to a larger movement aimed at creating a nation of lifesavers. By integrating CPR education into community and educational settings, the initiative seeks to ensure that more individuals are prepared to save lives, thereby enhancing the overall health and safety of communities across the country.