DETROIT, August 18, 2025 — Hundreds of Michiganders are now equipped with lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills after participating in a training hosted by the Detroit Lions and the American Heart Association today at Ford Field. According to American Heart Association data, 9 out of every 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die. A major factor is the lack of immediate CPR more than half of the time. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.

 

This is the third stadium training hosted by the Detroit Lions and the American Heart Association, a global force for longer healthier lives, to add lifesavers to the chain of survival which includes early recognition, calling 911, administering high-quality CPR, and having access to, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED). Participants completed one of two course options: the American Heart Association’s Heartsaver® CPR course, which provides the highest quality evidence-based training in the lifesaving skills of CPR, as well as the appropriate use of an AED or, Hands-Only CPR education which has been shown to be as effective in the first few minutes as conventional CPR for cardiac arrest at home, at work or in public.

 

“Every year, hundreds of thousands of cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals — often with no warning and no time to spare. In those critical moments, knowing how to perform CPR and use an AED can mean the difference between life and death,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “That’s why we’re working tirelessly with organizations like the Detroit Lions to empower more people with the skills, confidence, and courage to step in and save a life using CPR.”

 

“The American Heart Association continues to be a wonderful partner in both trusting us at the Lions to help spread awareness for the importance of CPR and by helping us offer the opportunity for individuals to be personally equipped with the knowledge and tools to help save a life in an emergency situation with no medical professionals around,” said Vice President of Detroit Lions Foundation and Community Relations Roxanne Caine. “We are grateful for the community members who took time out of their day to join us at Ford Field and learn how to be a lifesaver in Michigan’s chain of survival.”

 

Those who complete the training are empowered to act in the event of a cardiac emergency at work, home or in the community. Participants used the Association’s CPR in Youth Sports Kits which include manikins and AED training tools. The kits will be donated to the community to continue education efforts.

 

The American Heart Association is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education and training, and publishes the official 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. More than 350,000 people in the US have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.

 

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About the Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL) and play their home games at Ford Field in downtown Detroit. The team relocated to Detroit in 1934 and is the NFL's fifth oldest franchise. The Detroit Lions’ most recent NFL postseason appearance was the Divisional round after securing a back-to-back NFC North title following a franchise-high 15-2 record during the 2024 season. For more information, please visit www.detroitlions.com.

 

For Media Inquiries:

American Heart Association

Linzy Cotaya; linzy.cotaya@heart.org

 

Detroit Lions

Ellen Trudell; ellen.trudell@lions.nfl.net