The American Heart Association (AHA) is taking a significant step to address the leading cause of death among student-athletes by hosting a free webinar focused on Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) and safe play practices. Scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m. CT, the one-hour session is designed to equip youth sports coaches and league leaders with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively in a cardiac emergency.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remains the leading cause of death for student-athletes nationwide, with nearly 75% of cases among young athletes occurring in basketball, football, and soccer players, according to a study cited by the AHA. The urgency of this issue is underscored by the fact that more than 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital annually, with about 40% of those occurring among student-athletes. These statistics highlight the critical need for preparedness at every level of youth sports.
The webinar is part of the AHA's broader Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030 by empowering more people to act in an emergency. Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of this initiative: "Every athlete deserves to play in an environment that is prepared for the unexpected. When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, having a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan in place and people who know how to act can make the difference between life and death."
Participants in the webinar will learn the essential components of an effective CERP, including preparedness strategies, AED access, and emergency action protocols. They will also gain practical guidance on actions to take before, during, and after a cardiac emergency, as well as how to implement safe play practices that protect athletes and build confidence among families and communities.
The AHA's efforts are reinforced by collaboration with major sports leagues. In 2023, the NFL launched the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which includes the NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL, NCAA, and the American Heart Association. The coalition advocates for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based public policies to prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students. This collaborative approach aims to create safer environments for young athletes across the country.
The need for such initiatives is clear: according to the AHA, roughly 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, often because CPR is not started quickly enough. However, acting immediately can double or triple a person's chances of survival. By equipping coaches and league leaders with the right skills and resources, the AHA is helping to ensure that more young athletes survive cardiac emergencies.
This webinar represents a proactive step in addressing a preventable cause of death in youth sports. For coaches, league administrators, and parents, understanding how to implement a CERP and respond to cardiac emergencies can make a life-saving difference. The AHA's commitment to this cause, backed by its position as the worldwide leader in resuscitation science and training, provides credible and actionable guidance for sports leaders at all levels.
Advanced online registration is required for the webinar. Interested participants can register at the Heart of the Game Webinar page. The AHA encourages all youth sports leaders to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their emergency preparedness and contribute to a safer sporting environment for young athletes.
