NFL’s Colts bring CPR education to flag football to improve cardiac emergency outcomes

The American Heart Association and Indianapolis Colts provided Hands-Only CPR and AED education at regional flag football championship

INDIANAPOLIS, November 18, 2024- The American Heart Association and the Indianapolis Colts this past weekend brought cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training to the Colts Regional Flag Football tournament. At the Kickoff event held at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center on Saturday, Nov. 16 more than 100 youth athletes, coaches and league administrators learned lifesaving skills to build their confidence and capabilities to respond in the event of a cardiac emergency. The following day, walk-up style Hands-Only CPR instruction was again available to guests attending the tournament at the Center Grove Bantom Fields.

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 administering CPR. This event with the Indianapolis Colts 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 AED. Compression-only CPR, known as Hands-Only CPR, can be equally effective as traditional CPR for adults 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 pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest.

"The Colts are pleased to join the American Heart Association in educating our friends, fans and neighbors about the ways CPR and AEDs can save lives," said Ande Sadtler, Colts' director of community impact. "This type of training is extremely valuable for anyone involved in youth sports at any level, as well as for people in their everyday lives, and we're happy to help spread the word."

Last year, 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 aims to advocate for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based policies to help prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students. The American Heart Association reports that as many as 23,000 people under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital every year, with nearly 40% being sports related. It is a leading cause of death for student-athletes. Implementing these simple, cost-effective strategies across all 50 states can save lives.

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 at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.

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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. 

For Media Inquiries:

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

Indianapolis Colts: Steve Campbell, 317-808-5117, [email protected]

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

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