The American Heart Association envisions a future where every public high school athletic event is prepared to respond to cardiac arrest emergencies – protecting athletes, staff and fans by building lifesaving readiness.

It is estimated that there are more than 23,000 children under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year in the U.S. and 40% are sports related. By adopting Cardiac Emergency Response Plans, athletic events become safer spaces where staff are CPR trained, AEDs are available, ready and accessible, and clear protocols are in place to ensure that every heartbeat has a fighting chance.

Having a well-developed plan that directs the specific steps needed to respond to cardiac arrest emergencies can mean the difference between life and death.

It’s critical that school athletic events across Alaska are ready to respond to cardiac arrest emergencies – whether on school grounds or held off campus at a sporting facility, like a hockey rink.