In a collaboration with FIFA Medical, the American Heart Association is deploying its Nation of Lifesavers mobile CPR unit to FIFA Fan Festivals in four U.S. host cities from June 10 through July 19, aligning with National CPR and AED Week. The initiative addresses the critical gap in bystander response: more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States, and immediate CPR can double or triple survival chances. Yet, over half of victims do not receive CPR before emergency services arrive.
The mobile unit will visit FIFA Fan Festivals in Atlanta, Dallas, and Philadelphia, as well as the New York New Jersey Fan Zone in the Bronx and Central Park Mini Pitch. These festivals, part of the global soccer championship, are expected to draw thousands of international visitors, providing a unique platform to disseminate life-saving skills. "By offering Hands-Only CPR instruction at FIFA Fan Festivals, thousands of people can join the Nation of Lifesavers and help more communities feel prepared to take action when every second counts," said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association.
Hands-Only CPR, which involves calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest, is effective for teens and adults in the first few minutes of an emergency. The Association, recognized by the Annenberg Public Policy Center as the most trusted public health information source after personal healthcare providers, aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030 through initiatives like this. "Soccer has a unique ability to unite communities across cultures and generations," said Andrew Massey, FIFA Medical Director. "By incorporating Hands-Only CPR training into the FIFA Fan Festival experience, fans can leave with more than memories from the tournament—they can leave with the confidence to help save a life during a cardiac emergency."
This marks the Association's first appearance at a FIFA event and its 10th at a major national sporting event, following previous appearances at Super Bowls, NFL Drafts, and the NBA All-Star Game. With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests occurring at home, learning CPR can help save the life of a loved one. Fans can learn more and volunteer at heart.org/FIFAFanFestival or join the Nation of Lifesavers at heart.org/nation. The American Heart Association continues to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, funding groundbreaking research and advocating for public health.
