SEATTLE, July 19, 2024 — The American Heart Association, observing 100 years of lifesaving service, along with Montlake Futures and Seattle Fire Department’s Medic 2 CPR Program brought Hands-Only CPR education to UW Football athletes at Husky Stadium on July 12, 2024. About 60 team members learned how to potentially save a life during cardiac arrest through a Hands-Only CPR demonstration. The athletes learned the correct rate and depth of CPR compressions, practiced the skill on manikins and also learned how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). By learning CPR, UW Football athletes joined the Nation of Lifesavers™, a movement by the American Heart Association to increase awareness and confidence to act in the event of a cardiac arrest and save more lives. 

According to American Heart Association data, nine out of every ten 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. 

University of Washington graduate Ashley Mohoric is a living example of the importance of CPR. In 2018 when she was only 32 years old, Ashley suffered cardiac arrest in her home. Her partner found her unresponsive, called 911 and began CPR. “I feel extremely lucky to be alive. If no one was around or no one was willing to perform CPR when I suffered cardiac arrest, my outcome would be very different. It’s important to me to continue to share my journey to encourage others to not wait and immediately start CPR. It really does save lives.” 

“During the CPR demonstration, I learned how easy it is to make a lifesaving difference by providing Hands-Only CPR,” said Sam Adams Jr., running back, University of Washington football. “I plan to share this message with my social media followers to encourage them to learn CPR.” Adams and fellow UW Football players will be raising awareness about CPR by sharing their experience on social media with the support of Montlake Futures. 

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 most people can learn and perform correctly. If you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse, start by calling 911 and then press hard and fast on the center of the chest until help arrives. 

“The benefits of performing CPR far outweigh the risks,” said Kaila Lafferty, CPR coordinator/public information officer, Seattle Fire Department. “Nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital occur in homes, which means you could be called on to save the life of someone you know and love. My goal for the session was to give the team the information and confidence to start CPR compressions because it can be the difference between life and death.” 

The American Heart Association is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education and training, and publishes the official guidelines for CPR. Through the Nation of Lifesavers™, the Association has set a goal of doubling the survival of cardiac arrest by 2030. In order to reach that objective, the Association is continuing to work to increase the number of people who respond to cardiac arrest by calling 911, delivering high-quality CPR and getting and using an AED as soon as it is available. To learn more, visit heart.org/nation

Additional Resources about CPR:

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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.  To reach the American Heart Association in Washington visit heart.org/Washington or on Facebook, Instagram or X.

For media inquiries:

Francesca Minas, francesca.minas@heart.org

Valerie Koch, valerie.koch@heart.org