Taking CPR awareness to the turf

BUFFALO, N.Y., Aug. 15, 2026 — Fans attending the Buffalo Bills vs. the Carolina Panthers National Football League (NFL) game at Highmark Stadium had the chance to join the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ through an immersive CPR experience, part of the Bills’ continuing commitment to CPR education.

According to American Heart Association data, 9 out of every 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die. This is in part because they do not receive immediate CPR more than half of the time. With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital occurring in homes, knowing how to perform CPR is critically important[1]. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival[2]. The Bills and the Heart Association share a joint commitment to increase the chain of survival throughout Western New York and the Buffalo area.

“Bringing Hands-Only CPR training and awareness to a Buffalo Bills game allows us to connect directly with thousands of fans and equip them with skills that can save lives,” said Megan Vargulick, executive director of the American Heart Association, Buffalo/Niagara region. “Every year, cardiac arrest affects hundreds of thousands of people outside of hospital settings. Immediate CPR can significantly improve survival outcomes. We are so thankful to the Buffalo Bills for their commitment to making sure everyone knows what to do in a cardiac emergency. With today’s game we are turning bystanders into lifesavers.”

The American Heart Association is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education and training, and publisher of the official scientific guidelines for CPR. The Nation of Lifesavers™ movement is the Association’s most recent demonstration of the commitment to CPR education.

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Before the game, the Heart Association recognized a group of individuals with a Heartsaver Hero Award during a special ceremony. A few months ago, teenager Ian Toutounji collapsed during a kickball game in PE class at Williamsville South High School. Luckily, people nearby responded immediately. Two PE teachers, the school nurse, the assistant principal and even two students worked together to call 911, perform compressions and use an AED. Thanks in part to their work, Ian was breathing again when the ambulance arrived. All six of Ian’s lifesavers were honored just before the start of Saturday’s game.

The Heartsaver Hero award is the official recognition of the American Heart Association acknowledging the heroic act of performing CPR, a critical link in the chain of survival. The Heart Association recognizes the heroes that have stepped in to help save a life during a cardiac emergency, playing a part in the chain of survival. Those bystanders have performed CPR or Hands-Only CPR to assist and helped to improve the survival rate of people who receive bystander CPR.

In addition to the in-game honors, attendees had the opportunity to learn Hands-Only CPR with instruction available to fans outside Highmark Stadium. Quick, simple and easy-to-learn, Hands-Only CPR has been shown to be as effective in the first few minutes as conventional CPR for cardiac arrest at home, at work or in public[3].

“We are grateful to be working with the American Heart Association we continue outreach around our Bills HeartBEAT initiative and the importance of CPR Education, Awareness and Training,” said Michelle Roberts, Buffalo Bills vice president of Community Impact and executive director, Buffalo Bills Foundation.

As a founding member of the Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, the Buffalo Bills have made a five-year, $1 million  commitment to train thousands of Western New Yorkers in Hands-Only CPR and increase the confidence and ability of members of the community to perform bystander CPR. Because about 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home, odds are the person who needs CPR will be a family member or friend[4].

For more information on Hands-Only CPR visit, cpr.heart.org.

Additional Resources:

• Bystander CPR 
• Bystander CPR Infographic 
• Hands-Only CPR Resources 
• Women and CPR 
• Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack 

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About the American Heart Association 
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. The organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X, or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1

For Media Inquiries:

Kristy Smorol, 315.243.5705 orKristy.Smorol@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org