The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the American Heart Association have joined forces to implement life-saving methods in New York City, enhancing the survival chain for individuals experiencing cardiac emergencies. On July 23, the NWSL’s central office in New York City, located on Madison Avenue, hosted a training session conducted by the American Heart Association to educate employees on hands-only CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) usage. This initiative aims to empower individuals within the NWSL community with the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively in critical situations.
Cardiac arrests that occur outside of hospitals have alarmingly low survival rates, with nine out of ten individuals succumbing to the condition, often due to a lack of immediate CPR intervention. The prompt administration of CPR, particularly when performed within the crucial first minutes of an emergency, can significantly increase the chances of survival, potentially doubling or tripling the victim’s likelihood of recovery. By equipping individuals with CPR and AED training, the American Heart Association and the NWSL are striving to create a network of capable responders who can swiftly act in cardiac emergencies.
Nancy Brown, the CEO of the American Heart Association, emphasized the critical role of early recognition and intervention in cardiac emergencies, stating, “Early recognition and action in a cardiac emergency can mean the difference between life and death. When every second counts, it is essential to have individuals nearby who are confident and capable of initiating CPR. This event with the National Women’s Soccer League helps to strengthen that vital link within the community.” As the American Heart Association celebrates a century of lifesaving work, the CPR training provided to the NWSL employees represents a significant step towards ensuring that individuals everywhere are prepared and equipped to perform CPR, becoming essential links in the survival chain.
The American Heart Association is a global leader in CPR science, education, and training, setting the official guidelines for CPR practices. Given that nearly three-quarters of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in homes, possessing the knowledge of proper CPR techniques is crucial. With more certified CPR witnesses in the community, the chances of positive outcomes for individuals experiencing cardiac emergencies increase significantly.
Participants in the hands-only CPR training session learned the correct frequency and depth of compressions, as well as how to utilize an AED. Hands-only CPR, also known as compression-only CPR, can be equally effective as traditional CPR in the initial minutes of an emergency response and is a skill that anyone can acquire. It involves simply calling 911 upon witnessing a sudden collapse in an adult or adolescent, followed by applying firm and rapid compressions to the center of the chest.
Dr. Cindy Chang, the Chief Medical Officer of the National Women’s Soccer League, commended the NWSL staff in New York City for their enthusiastic participation and concentration during the hands-only CPR training. She expressed the league’s commitment to spreading awareness about the importance of learning to use AEDs and hands-only CPR among friends and family members. Plans are underway to expand and offer this training to NWSL staff members at the league’s Chicago office, further strengthening the community’s preparedness in handling cardiac emergencies.
This collaboration between the NWSL and the American Heart Association marks the second joint effort to enhance emergency outcomes, following their participation in the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, founded in 2023 alongside the NFL. The coalition’s national campaign aims to prevent sudden cardiac arrest-related deaths among high school athletes by advocating for evidence-based policies across all 50 states. According to the American Heart Association, approximately 23,000 individuals under the age of 18 experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually, making it a leading cause of death among student athletes. Sports-related cardiac arrests account for nearly 40% of cases among individuals under 18 years old. Implementing these simple and cost-effective strategies nationwide could prevent fatalities resulting from sudden cardiac arrests.
In conclusion, the collaboration between the National Women’s Soccer League and the American Heart Association highlights the importance of equipping individuals with life-saving skills to enhance the survival chain in cardiac emergencies. By providing hands-on CPR and AED training, the NWSL and the American Heart Association are empowering individuals to respond effectively in critical situations, ultimately saving lives within their community. Through continued education and advocacy efforts, these organizations are working towards a future where everyone is prepared and capable of providing immediate assistance in cardiac emergencies, ensuring better outcomes for individuals in need.
