NFL’s Bears add lifesavers to the chain of survival in Chicago

The American Heart Association and Chicago Bears provided Hands-Only CPR education at high school girls' flag football championship to improve cardiac emergency outcomes

CHICAGO, October 22, 2024- The American Heart Association and the Chicago Bears brought cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Girls Flag Football State Finals on Saturday, Oct. 19. More than 150 youth athletes, coaches and league administrators learned lifesaving skills building their confidence and capabilities to respond in the event of a cardiac emergency. According to American Heart Association data, 9 out of every 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, in part because they do not receive immediate CPR more than half of the time. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person's chance of survival.

"Early recognition and action in a cardiac emergency are the difference between life and death. When seconds matter it is important to have people nearby who are confident and capable of beginning administering CPR. This event with the Chicago Bears is helping to support that critical link in the community" said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "As we celebrate 100 years of lifesaving work, we know that with every CPR training we perform we are one step closer to ensuring that everyone, everywhere is prepared and empowered to perform CPR and become a vital link in the chain of survival."

The American Heart Association is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education, and training, and publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR. With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital occurring in homes, knowing how to perform CPR is critically important. With more bystanders certified with the knowledge of CPR, the chance for a positive recovery increase for the community.

Participants used the Association's CPR in Youth Sports Kits which include manikins and AED training tools, which will later be donated to continue the community education efforts. Hands-Only CPR participants learned the correct rate and depth of compressions and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Compression-only CPR, known as Hands-Only CPR, can be equally effective as traditional CPR in the first few minutes of emergency response and is a skill everyone can learn. It is as simple as calling 911 if you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse and then push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

"The Chicago Bears are proud to have partnered with the American Heart Association and IHSA on this milestone day in Illinois sports to increase access to CPR education. As the game of football grows, there will be a need for continued education for participants to improve outcomes in medical emergencies. The athletes competing today are pioneers in this sport and will play a critical role in increasing awareness around CPR education and its impact on future generations of this sport," said Tanesha Wade, executive vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion & chief impact officer at the Chicago Bears.

The American Heart Association is a founding member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition established by the NFL in 2023. 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, as many as 23,000 children under the age of 18 experience cardiac outside of a hospital annually, and about 40% of those occur among student-athletes. It is a leading cause of death for student-athletes nationwide.

Additional Resources:

• Spanish news release (To be added when available)
• Bystander CPR | Bystander CPR Infographic (PDF)
• Hands-Only CPR Resources
• Hands-Only CPR vs CPR with Breaths
• Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
• Reducing Disparities for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest - Community Toolkit: English and Spanish versions available
• Take 90 seconds to learn how to save a life atwww.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.

###

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public's health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

About the Chicago Bears

One of the founding franchises of the National Football League, the Chicago Bears were established in 1920 as the Decatur Staleys by legendary player, coach and owner, George S. Halas. The team moved to Chicago in 1921. In 1922, Halas changed the team's name from the Staleys to the Bears and the team went on to win nine NFL Championships, including one Super Bowl. The Bears 32 Hall of Famers are the most of any team in the NFL. A pillar in the community for more than a century, the Bears strive to be civic leaders throughout Chicago and its suburbs by supporting initiatives focused on social justice, youth and high school football, the military, health equity, education, volunteerism and civic involvement.

For Media Inquiries:

American Heart Association: Linzy Cotaya; 504-872-3446, [email protected]

Chicago Bears: Micaeh Johnson; 847-739-5365, [email protected]

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

heart.org and stroke.org