SEATTLE, December 12, 2024 — The American Heart Association will host a special pregame booth for ticketholders at the Seattle Seahawks game on Sunday, Dec. 15, to educate fans on Hands-Only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).  According to American Heart Association data, nearly 9 out of 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.
 
“The American Heart Association’s goal is to ensure that at least one person in every household knows this critical life skill," said Whitney Meidl, executive director, American Heart Association, Puget Sound. “We are grateful for the opportunity to educate the 12s on Hands-Only CPR. This collaboration with the Seattle Seahawks will help save more lives in our community.”
 
Ticketed fans attending the Dec. 15 game at Lumen Field can visit the American Heart Association space in the pregame Ticketmaster Tailgate fan area to learn Hands-Only CPR. The space will open at 2:00 p.m., three hours prior to kickoff. Participants will build confidence and capabilities by learning the correct rate and depth of compressions. 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 pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest. 
 
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 people ready to perform CPR, the chance for a positive recovery increase for the community. 
 
Last year, the Seahawks announced that 100% of the organization’s front office staff are American Heart Association Heartsaver® trained in CPR and AED. 
 
In 2023, 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.  
 
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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.  In Washington, visit heart.org/Washington, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.
 
For Media Inquiries:
Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org 
Francesca Minas: francesca.minas@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)