The Atlanta Falcons and Emory Healthcare — the official team health care provider of the Atlanta Falcons — are teaming up to offer “1 Trained at Every Game,” a free, hands-only CPR and AED training session on Saturday, Sept. 7, that will equip community members with proper training to respond in medical emergencies.
Sessions begin at 10 a.m. and last approximately 40 minutes. Registration is required.
“1 Trained at Every Game,” which will be led by Emory Healthcare professionals, is designed to prevent deaths from sudden cardiac arrest, a leading cause of death among adults and student athletes nationwide.
Following the on-field cardiac arrest event of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin in January 2023, health care providers knew the importance of providing more people with cardiac training.
“We decided that if we had ‘1 Trained at Every Game,’ that is one person who could perform hands-only CPR on someone experiencing a cardiac event. That, along with AED experience and training, could make sports safer at every level,” says Amy Derosa, director of Emory Physical Therapy.
“We also want to spread public awareness,” Derosa adds. “Many people are unaware of how hands-only CPR chest compressions can be just as effective as conventional CPR. That awareness, along with the training and experience will undoubtedly make sports safer, especially at the youth level.”
Training in hands-only CPR allows bystanders to assist in cardiac arrest events even though they may not be comfortable or familiar with standard CPR, which involves both chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths.
Participants will be eligible to receive a certificate of completion for the training, which meets the Georgia State High School Association requirements for coaches.
Trainings will be at the Home Depot Backyard, located next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The day will include raffles for game tickets and signed Falcons gear as well as appearances by former Falcons players, Freddie the Falcon and the Falcons' cheer team. Other activities related to CPR and heart health will also be available.
“1 Trained at Every Game” is a free event, open to anyone 10 years and older, but registration is required. Sign up for a time slot between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Hands-on CPR and AED training will take approximately 40 minutes. Parking vouchers will be provided for the Silver Deck.