The American Heart Association is launching a major public health initiative during the FIFA World Cup, bringing its Nation of Lifesavers mobile CPR unit to FIFA Fan Festivals in four U.S. host cities starting next week. From June 10 through July 19, the Association will offer Hands-Only CPR training at festivals in Atlanta, Dallas, and Philadelphia, as well as at the New York New Jersey Fan Zone in the Bronx on June 13-14 and the Central Park Mini Pitch through July 19. The effort, organized in collaboration with FIFA Medical, aims to teach thousands of soccer fans how to respond to cardiac emergencies.
More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals in the United States each year, and immediate CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. However, more than half of people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not receive CPR before emergency responders arrive. The American Heart Association’s initiative supports its goal to double survival rates of cardiac arrest by 2030 by empowering more people to act in an emergency.
“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, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. The Association was recently identified by the Annenberg Public Policy Center as the most trusted public health information source after an individual’s personal health care provider, with 82% of U.S. adults confident in the organization to provide trustworthy information related to public health.
Hands-Only CPR, also known as compression-only CPR, is effective for teens and adults in the first few minutes of an emergency and is a skill everyone can learn. It involves calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest. Fans visiting the mobile CPR unit will be able to practice Hands-Only CPR, learn how to recognize cardiac arrest, and build confidence to take action in 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.” FIFA Medical often uses FIFA Competitions to develop legacy health campaigns that leave a lasting impact beyond the tournament itself, including long-term public health benefits in the host nation.
This marks the American Heart Association’s first appearance at a FIFA event and its 10th appearance at a major national sporting event. The Association has previously brought Hands-Only CPR and AED training to fans at Super Bowls, NFL Drafts, and the NBA All-Star Game. With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside the hospital happening at home, knowing CPR can help save the life of someone you love. The Association encourages everyone to learn Hands-Only CPR at heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR and join the Nation of Lifesavers at heart.org/nation.
The American Heart Association’s presence at the FIFA Fan Festivals underscores its commitment to a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, the organization works tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day.
