STILLWATER, Okla., Dec. 16, 2024 — Staff and volunteers for the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health for all, will give hands-only CPR training to the Oklahoma State University women’s basketball team during a special event at 12 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 at Gallagher-Iba Arena.

The training celebrates the Cowgirl team’s director of player development, Robyne Bostick, who lost her brother to cardiac arrest when he was 29. Because heart issues run in her family, Bostick has striven to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle, running upward of 20 miles per week and getting regular EKGs and monitoring her blood pressure and cholesterol.

In 2021, doctors discovered Bostick had a heart arrhythmia, which means her heart was not beating in a normal, steady pattern. She underwent a procedure to receive a pacemaker, and later, she received an internal defibrillator, a small battery-powered device placed in the chest.

Bostick remains dedicated to spreading awareness for heart health and is a passionate advocate for bystander CPR training. Hands-only CPR can double or even triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. The Dec. 17 event underscores the Association’s commitment to equip communities with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively in emergency situations.

“With the number of young athletes who experience cardiac issues on the rise, it’s more important than ever for parents, coaches, teammates to know the warning signs and know what to do in case of a cardiac emergency,” she said. “My brother was working out at a YMCA at the time of his cardiac arrest and there was no one trained in CPR on site, so the more people who are educated and trained, the more lives that can be saved.”

The American Heart Association encourages everyone to take a few minutes to learn hands-only CPR. The steps are simple: call 911, and then push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives. By increasing the number of people trained in hands-only CPR, we can create a community of lifesavers ready to act when it matters most.

For more information on hands-only CPR and how you can get involved, visit heart.org.

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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.

Media inquiries

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org