MLB adds lifesavers to the chain of survival at annual Winter Meetings

(Press-News.org) DALLAS, December 13, 2024 — The American Heart Association and Major League Baseball (MLB) brought cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training to the League’s annual Winter Meetings held in Dallas this week. Attendees from all 30 Major League Clubs and many organizations across the baseball industry learned lifesaving skills needed to respond confidently and capably 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 immediate CPR is not performed more than half of the time. CPR, especially if begun immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. Learning CPR is the skill needed to join the Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which intends to double survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by 2030.

“We are delighted to join MLB at their Winter Meetings to teach Hands-Only CPR and add more trained people to the Association’s Nation of Lifesavers. Knowing CPR is the lifesaving difference when someone experiences a cardiac arrest. Starting CPR immediately supports a critical link in the community’s chain of survival. We commend those who are learning this lifesaving skill,” 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 help save a life.”

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 know how to perform CPR, the chance for positive recoveries increase for the community.

“Major League Baseball is pleased to stand alongside the American Heart Association and to share its vital work with our Clubs and other contributors to our National Pastime," said Jon Coyles, MLB vice president of drug, health and safety programs. “Organizations across our game appreciated this event in recognition of the importance of preparation for cardiac emergencies.  We hope to use our platform to lead by example and encourage baseball fans to learn more regarding lifesaving skills.”  

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. Hands-Only CPR participants learned the correct rate and depth of compressions and how to use an AED.

 According to the American Heart Association, more than 23,000 people under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital every year, and nearly 40% of those are sports related. It is a leading cause of death for student-athletes. MLB and the American Heart Association collaborate as founding members of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, established by the NFL in 2023. The goal of the coalition is to increase survival from cardiac arrest among high school athletes by advocating for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based policies that will save lives from cardiac arrest.

Additional Resources:

Multimedia is available on the right column of the release link. 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.  ###

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 Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball (MLB) is the most historic professional sports league in the United States and consists of 30 member clubs in the U.S. and Canada, representing the highest level of professional baseball. Led by Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr., MLB remains committed to making an impact in the communities of the U.S., Canada and throughout the world, perpetuating the sport's larger role in society and permeating every facet of baseball's business, marketing, community relations and social responsibility endeavors. With dynamic new rules emphasizing action and improved pace of play, MLB recently recorded its best year-over-year attendance increase in 30 years. The game continues to expand its global reach through events, programming and content for fans all over the world, and registered records in games and minutes watched this season on MLB.TV. With the continued success of MLB Network and MLB digital platforms, MLB continues to find innovative ways for its fans to enjoy America's National Pastime and a truly global game.

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