Soccer player stands next to a LIFEPAK CR2 AED on the field

AEDs in athletics
—a game changer

Knowing how to use an AED can help you experience confidence in a crisis.* Prepare your team today.

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Fitness isn't a factor
Learn to spot sudden cardiac arrest symptoms and act fast with an AED

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can strike even the healthiest athletes without warning. Did you know that each minute without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by 7-10%? That’s why immediate access to an AED can be the critical difference between life and death.¹

SCA is the third leading cause of death in the US²

AHA recommends early and fast defibrillation. Survival is highest when defibrillation is delivered between 3 to 5 minutes³ after collapse

More than 359,000 out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrests (OHSCA) occur per year in the US4⁴

From youth leagues to pros: AEDs play a vital role in safeguarding athletes of all ages

In the fast-paced world of sports, where victories and challenges unfold on the field, athletes face a silent and unpredictable adversary—sudden cardiac arrest. This life-threatening condition knows no age or athletic level, impacting young individuals engaged in youth sports to professionals performing at their peak.

Why every college campus needs accessible AEDs

Discover why every college campus needs accessible automated external defibrillators (AED) to help ensure the safety of students, faculty and visitors. Learn about the importance of quick access to AEDs in helping prevent fatalities from sudden cardiac arrest.

Knowing when to use an AED: CPR and AED guidelines for sudden cardiac arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition that can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) combined with the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) can significantly increase the chances of survival.

Bystanders performing CPR and opening an AED to help a sudden cardiac arrest victim

Learning AED basics: How to use a defibrillator to help save lives

Quick thinking, proper technique and access to the right equipment can make the difference between tragedy and triumph.

Survivor: Jordan Schoen

Jordan Schoen was only 17 when he collapsed on the basketball court. Watch to learn how the system of care saved his life and why this experience drove his family to give back to their community.

Survivor: Derrick Mosley

After going on a morning run, Derrick began to feel some chest discomfort. His wife, Melissa, a healthcare professional trained in resuscitation, quickly recognized the warning signs of a sudden cardiac arrest. Luckily, an off-duty firefighter pulled over from traffic and began assisting. Soon EMS and Fire/Rescue units arrived to apply a LUCAS.

Survivor: Bennett Hart

A rare genetic condition caused Bennett Hart’s heart to stop three times between the ages of 8 and 15. Watch how this determined student athlete overcomes every obstacle with the support of his friends and family.

Survivor: Andy Hannan

Andy was playing walking football when he collapsed on the field from a sudden cardiac arrest. Thankfully, one of his co-players, Sue, a first aid volunteer, immediately sprang to action. Watch how she saved his life with the help of the system of care.

Survivor: Esley Thorton

The most important thing to Esley Thorton is his family. Watch how they each played a role in saving his life with the help of an AED they keep in their kitchen pantry.

Pay it forward

Forward Hearts lets survivors of a sudden cardiac arrest event pay it forward and potentially save another life by donating an automated external defibrillator (AED) to the organization of the survivor's choice.

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