The Giants Foundation and American Heart Association Team Up to Teach Lifesaving CPR
The New York Giants’ nonprofit arm, The Giants Foundation, joined forces with the American Heart Association (AHA) to host a crucial CPR and AED training event at MetLife Stadium on March 20. Representatives from 12 local schools gathered to learn these lifesaving skills, aiming to prepare more people to step in during cardiac emergencies.
According to the AHA, nearly 90% of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital don’t survive—mostly because they don’t get CPR in time. But when CPR is performed right away, it can double or even triple a person’s chances of making it.
“Knowing what to do in those critical moments can mean the difference between life and death,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “With every CPR training we conduct, we get one step closer to ensuring people everywhere are ready to step in and save a life.”
Hands-Only CPR: Simple but Powerful
Most cardiac arrests happen at home, so knowing CPR is a must. Hands-Only CPR is an easy-to-learn method that can be just as effective as traditional CPR in the first few minutes of an emergency. It’s as simple as:
1. Calling 911 if you see someone collapse.
2. Pushing hard and fast in the center of their chest.
Schools Get CPR Kits & AEDs
To keep the momentum going, The Giants Foundation is donating resources to schools so students and staff can continue practicing these skills. Each of the 12 participating schools received a CPR in Schools kit, which includes manikins, training AEDs, and educational materials. On top of that, three schools were given actual AEDs to have on campus.
“Having a game plan for cardiac emergencies is just as important as having one for the field,” said Allison Stangeby, VP of community and corporate relations for the Giants. “We’re proud to help equip schools with the tools and training they need to act fast when it matters most.”
A Bigger Push for CPR Awareness
This initiative is part of a larger effort to improve CPR access and awareness. In 2023, the NFL launched the Smart Heart Sports Coalition alongside major sports organizations like the NBA, MLB, and NHL. The goal? To push for policies that ensure all 50 states have strong protections and training in place to prevent tragic cardiac arrests among student-athletes.
The AHA reports that around 23,000 people under 18 suffer cardiac arrest outside of hospitals every year, with nearly 40% of cases linked to sports. By making CPR training widespread and accessible, more lives can be saved.
Giants & American Heart Association Team Up to Make CPR a Game Changer
