The American Heart Association is bringing its Nation of Lifesavers mobile CPR unit to FIFA Fan Festivals in Atlanta, Dallas, and Philadelphia from June 10 through July 19, as well as to fan zones in New York City, to teach Hands-Only CPR during the global soccer championship. The initiative, announced during National CPR and AED Week (June 1-7), aims to increase bystander CPR rates and improve survival from cardiac arrest, which affects more than 350,000 people annually outside U.S. hospitals. Immediate CPR can double or triple survival odds.
Fans visiting the mobile unit can practice Hands-Only CPR, learn to recognize cardiac arrest, and gain confidence to act in an emergency. The training involves calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest. The American Heart Association, identified by the Annenberg Public Policy Center as the most trusted public health information source after personal healthcare providers, is collaborating with FIFA Medical to leave a lasting health legacy. Andrew Massey, FIFA Medical Director, emphasized that fans can leave the festival with confidence to save a life.
This marks the Association's first appearance at a FIFA event and its 10th at a major national sporting event, following appearances at Super Bowls, NFL Drafts, and the NBA All-Star Game. The Association's goal is to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030 through the Nation of Lifesavers movement. With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests occurring at home, learning CPR can help save a loved one. Volunteer opportunities are available at heart.org/FIFAFanFestival for those 18 and older, with no medical experience required.
