The American Heart Association and the National Football League are bringing free Hands-Only CPR training to the 2025 NFL Draft Experience at Lambeau Field, targeting a critical public health need. With 90% of cardiac arrests outside hospitals currently resulting in death, the organizations are working to transform bystanders into potential lifesavers.
The Nation of Lifesavers Mobile CPR Unit will provide walk-up style instruction Thursday through Saturday, teaching participants the correct compression techniques for compression-only CPR. This training method can double or triple a person's chance of survival during a cardiac emergency.
Inspired by Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest during a 2023 Monday Night Football game, the initiative seeks to create a nationwide network of individuals prepared to respond to sudden cardiac events. The training is particularly crucial given that nearly 75% of cardiac arrests occur in homes.
The partnership extends beyond the draft, with the NFL collaborating on broader health initiatives. Twenty-three NFL teams have already hosted American Heart Association training sessions, demonstrating a commitment to community health and emergency preparedness.
The long-term goal is ambitious: doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. By focusing on education and empowerment, the organizations aim to transform how communities respond to medical emergencies, potentially saving thousands of lives annually.
