Webinar equips youth sports leaders with tools to respond in a cardiac emergency

DALLAS, August 26, 2026 - Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for student-athletes nationwide, with nearly 75% of cases among young athletes occurring in basketball, football and soccer players.[1] To help youth sports coaches and league leaders prepare for these emergencies, the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is hosting a free one-hour webinar focused on Cardiac Emergency Response Plans and safe play practices.

The webinar, taking place Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m. CT, reflects the American Heart Association's ongoing commitment to improving cardiac emergency preparedness and advances the goals of its Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which aims to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030 by empowering more people to act in an emergency.

"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," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "Through our work with the NFL Foundation, we're helping equip coaches with the knowledge, resources and confidence they need to create safer environments for young athletes and their families."

Attendees will learn how to strengthen emergency preparedness within their leagues through Cardiac Emergency Response Plan best practices, safe play strategies and practical guidance for responding to cardiac emergencies.

The session will help participants:

• Understand the essential components of an effective Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, including preparedness strategies, AED access and emergency action protocols.
• Identify the actions coaches and sports leaders should take before, during and after a cardiac emergency.
• Apply safe play practices and available resources that help protect athletes and build confidence among families and communities.

The American Heart Association is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education, and training. The Heart Association also publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR. According to the Heart Association, roughly 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, often because CPR is not started quickly enough. Acting immediately can double or even triple a person's chances of survival.

In 2023, the NFL launched the Smart Heart Sports Coalition in collaboration with founding members including the NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL, NCAA, the American Heart Association and others. The coalition is actively advocating for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based public policies that will prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students. According to the American Heart Association, more than 23,000 children under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital annually, and about 40% of those occur among student-athletes.

Advanced online registration is required for this webinar. To register, visit Heart of the Game Webinar.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

American Heart Association: Linzy Cotaya: [email protected]

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org