The American Heart Association is bringing its Nation of Lifesavers mobile CPR unit to FIFA Fan Festivals in four U.S. host cities starting next week, offering fans the opportunity to learn Hands-Only CPR during one of the world's largest sporting events. The initiative, announced in conjunction with National CPR and AED Week (June 1-7), aims to address the more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests that occur annually in the United States, where immediate CPR can double or triple survival chances.
From June 10 through July 19, the mobile CPR unit will be stationed at FIFA Fan Festivals in Atlanta, Dallas, and Philadelphia, as well as at the New York New Jersey Fan Zone in the Bronx (June 13-14) and Central Park Mini Pitch (June 10 through July 19). The festivals, part of the global soccer championship organized by FIFA, are expected to draw thousands of international visitors. The collaboration with FIFA Medical underscores the importance of health legacy initiatives tied to major tournaments.
"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, CEO of the American Heart Association. "More than half of people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital don't receive CPR before emergency responders arrive. That's why we are committed to ensuring more people are trained, confident, and ready to act as a lifesaver in a cardiac emergency."
The Association, recently identified by the Annenberg Public Policy Center as the most trusted public health information source after personal healthcare providers, is leveraging its presence at these events to promote its Nation of Lifesavers™ movement. The goal is to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030 by empowering bystanders to act. Hands-Only CPR, which involves calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest, is effective for teens and adults in the first few minutes of an emergency.
"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." 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, NFL Drafts, and the NBA All-Star Game.
Nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside the hospital happen at home, making bystander CPR crucial. Fans visiting the mobile unit can practice Hands-Only CPR and learn to recognize cardiac arrest. Volunteer opportunities are available in select host cities for those interested in teaching CPR; no prior medical experience is required. More information and volunteer sign-up can be found at heart.org/FIFAFanFestival. Volunteers must be 18 and older.
