Almost 200 Louisiana and Mississippi coaches trained in Hands-Only CPR
NEW ORLEANS – Sept. 11, 2024 – Recently, the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, trained almost 200 Louisiana and Mississippi youth and high school football coaches in the critical and lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR during the New Orleans Saints/USA Football Coaches Certification Clinic during the NFL’s Play Football Month.
For the second year, the Association’s Greater New Orleans team worked with the Saints through the annual program to teach the attending coaches how to use an AED and administer Hands-Only CPR during a cardiac emergency.
“Because time is so precious in emergency situations, it’s imperative that our youth and high school coaches are properly trained to instinctively react in critical moments, and provide the necessary support until professional medical assistance arrives,” said Elicia Broussard Sheridan, Saints Vice President of Community Relations and Youth Sports Development. "We appreciate the American Heart Association’s partnership in the clinic again this year and embrace the opportunity to provide the training to coaches in our region.”
Additionally, the American Heart Association, the National Football League, the New Orleans Saints, and Acadian Ambulance recently created “The Kids and Coaches Cardiovascular Coalition of Louisiana”. Together, they worked with Senator Bill Wheat to pass SB54, which passed without a single vote in opposition to require Louisiana high school athletic coaches to learn and maintain certification in CPR, AED, and First Aid.
Coaches and players learned this lifesaving skill that, if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. According to the American Heart Association, every year, about 23,000 children under 18 in the United States experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital – and almost 40% of those situations are sports-related, leaving students potentially vulnerable without the proper plan in place to respond when an emergency occurs.
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 collapse suddenly and then push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
“We know that when emergencies happen people want to help, and Hands-Only CPR gives people that ability to make a difference,” said Coretta LaGarde, executive director, American Heart Association, Greater New Orleans. “Trainings like this empowers people to save lives.”
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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 locally at Heart.org/Louisiana or on Facebook, Instagram or X.
For Media Inquiries:
Mary Fein, mary.fein@heart.org
