NFL Draft Prospects and Coaches Learn Life-Saving CPR Skills at Reese's Senior Bowl

The annual Community Service Day at the Reese's Senior Bowl took a life-saving turn this year as NFL draft prospects and coaches were trained in Hands-Only CPR and automatic external defibrillator (AED) usage. This initiative, part of the Nation of Lifesavers movement, seeks to bolster community readiness for cardiac emergencies, a critical skill given that 9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, primarily due to the lack of immediate CPR.

Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, highlighted the vital role of early recognition and action in such emergencies. The training session, which included the use of manikins to practice compression techniques, underscored the importance of calling 911 and performing chest compressions to save lives. The presence of Damar Hamlin, a cardiac arrest survivor, Senior Bowl alumni, and Buffalo Bills safety, as the national ambassador for the Nation of Lifesavers movement, added a poignant reminder of the real-life impact these skills can have.

This effort aligns with the objectives of the NFL's Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which aims to reduce fatal cardiac events among young athletes. With the American Heart Association reporting over 23,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually in individuals under 18, nearly 40% of which are sports-related, the training provided at the Reese's Senior Bowl represents a significant step forward in public health and safety. By empowering these future NFL stars and coaches with life-saving knowledge, the event not only enhances individual preparedness but also amplifies the message of the importance of quick and effective emergency response.