NFL’s Tennessee Titans add lifesavers to the chain of survival in 20 Nashville schools

The American Heart Association and Tennessee Titans provided training and resources to improve cardiac emergency outcomes

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 11, 2024 - Representatives from 20 local Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) joined the American Heart Association and Tennessee Titans on Nov. 21 for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training at Brick Church Middle School in Nashville. According to American Heart Association data, nearly 9 out of 10 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.

"Early recognition and action in a cardiac emergency are the difference between life and death. When seconds matter it is important to have people nearby who are confident and capable to begin CPR. This event with the Tennessee Titans is helping to support that critical link in the community," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "As we celebrate 100 years of lifesaving work, we know that with every CPR training we perform we are one step closer to ensuring that everyone, everywhere is prepared and empowered to perform CPR and become a vital link in the chain of survival."

MNPS representatives learned the correct rate and depth of CPR compressions to be confident and capable when faced with a cardiac emergency. CPR, if performed immediately, can double or triple a person's chance of survival.

In addition to the training, each school received a CPR in Schools kits, donated by the Tennessee Titans, to bring these lifesaving skills back to their campus. Each kit includes 10 Hands-Only CPR manikins, 10 AED training tools and curriculum to train additional students, faculty, staff and parents. CPR in Schools kits provided to the following Nashville schools:

1. Amqui Elementary School
2. Antioch Middle School
3. Bellevue Middle School
4. Brick Church Middle School
5. Creswell Middle School
6. Cumberland Elementary School
7. Eagle View Elementary School
8. Fall-Hamilton Elementary School
9. Harpeth Valley Elementary School
10. Haynes Middle School
11. JT Moore Middle School
12. Johnson Alternative Learning Center
13. Lockeland Elementary School
14. Lakeview Elementary School
15. Mt. View Elementary School
16. Neely's Bend Elementary School
17. Smith Springs Elementary School
18. Stratford STEM Magnet School Lower Campus
19. Stratton Elementary School
20. Tom Joy Elementary School

Compression-only CPR, known as Hands-Only CPR, can be equally effective in the chain of survival as traditional CPR in the first few minutes of emergency response and is a skill everyone can learn. The steps include first, calling 911 if you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse and second, push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

The American Heart Association is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education and training, and publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR. With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital occurring in homes, knowing how to perform CPR is critically important. With more people ready to perform CPR, the chance for a positive recovery increase for the community.

Last year, the NFL launched The Smart Heart Sports Coalition in collaboration with founding members including the NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL, NCAA, the American Heart Association and others. The coalition aims to advocate for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based policies to help prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students. The American Heart Association reports that as many as 23,000 people under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital every year, with nearly 40% being sports related. It is a leading cause of death for student-athletes. Implementing these simple, cost-effective strategies across all 50 states can save lives.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed the Smart Heart Act at a public ceremony on May 21, 2024. The Smart Heart Act requires each public and nonpublic school serving grades nine through twelve to maintain an automated external defibrillator (AED) that is accessible during the school day and during all school athletic activities. Additionally, these schools must establish, review, and annually practice an athletics emergency action plan for responding to students who sustain cardiac arrests or other life-threatening injuries while participating in school athletic activities. The legislation also ensures that appropriate personnel on and off the field, including coaches, are trained in CPR and AEDs.

Additional Resources:

• To learn Hands-Only CPR visit, heart.org/nation.
• Bystander CPR | Bystander CPR Infographic (PDF)
• Hands-Only CPR Resources
• Hands-Only CPR vs CPR with Breaths
• Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
• Reducing Disparities for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest - Community Toolkit: English and Spanish versions available
• Take 90 seconds to learn how to save a life at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.

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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 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. 

For Media Inquiries:

Linzy Cotaya: 504-872-3446; [email protected]

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

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