Duke University Athletes Train in Hands-Only CPR to Combat Cardiac Arrest Fatalities

Members of the Duke University men's basketball and football teams recently participated in American Heart Association Hands-Only CPR trainings, a move that arms them with the ability to act decisively in cardiac emergencies. Given that nearly 90% of individuals who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting do not survive, primarily due to the absence of immediate CPR, this training highlights the pivotal role of bystander intervention in saving lives. Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, pointed out the lifesaving potential of CPR and AED use, stressing the initiative's mission to equip more people with these essential skills.

The athletes from Duke have now become part of the American Heart Association's Nation of LifesaversTM, a program dedicated to integrating CPR and AED education into communities across the country. As a frontrunner in resuscitation science, the Association underscores the necessity of CPR awareness, particularly since the majority of cardiac arrests happen at home. Kevin Siesel, Duke University's head football athletic trainer, commended the training for its effectiveness in engaging and empowering the team, highlighting the significance of this collaboration in building a community prepared to respond to emergencies.

Hands-Only CPR, a streamlined approach to traditional CPR, proves to be highly effective during the critical first minutes following a cardiac arrest and is designed to be easily learned by anyone. The American Heart Association offers a variety of resources for mastering this vital skill, championing the cause of universal CPR education to improve public health and safety. For more information on how to learn Hands-Only CPR, visit https://www.heart.org.