The American Heart Association Hampton Roads hosts its inaugural Lifesaver Day in collaboration with the Norfolk Tides.
With seven in 10 people in America saying they feel powerless to act in the face of a cardiac emergency, knowing how to perform CPR is critically important[1]. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival[2]. That is why the American Heart Association, the worldwide leader in resuscitation science and education, and the Norfolk Tides are working together to amplify the Association’s newest initiative, Nation of Lifesavers through Lifesaver Day. Nation of Lifesavers is a movement launched to double the survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest by 2030, with Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin serving as national ambassador. The goal of the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ is to turn bystanders into lifesavers, so that in the time of a cardiac emergency anyone, anywhere is prepared and empowered to become a vital link in the chain of survival and provide CPR. Lifesaver Day is an opportunity to participate in an exclusive pre-game experience featuring a fall Heart Walk preview, survivor stories, giveaways and a community-wide Hands-Only CPR demonstration with special guests; all happening before first pitch at 6:35pm when the Norfolk Tides take on the Worcester Red Sox for American Heart Association night at Harbor Park.
“We are very excited and proud to support the American Heart Association’s latest goals and initiatives surrounding the importance of CPR education and awareness, with the goal of working together to help increase the chances of surviving a cardiac arrest. To have the opportunity to bring together the community along with our staff to learn a lifesaving skill is unique and we look forward to a continued relationship that leads to saving lives,” said Tides Director of Community Relations & Merchandise Heather McKeating.
The American Heart Association and the Norfolk Tides plan to have hundreds of attendees on Lifesaver Day participate in Hands-Only CPR demonstrations during the pre-game experience and during the game with demonstrations available on the main concourse.
“Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital setting in the United States – and 90% of these are fatal. CPR is a lifesaving skill that most people can learn and perform correctly which would help us reach our goal of doubling the survival rate by 2030. Being prepared is so important and we’re so thankful for the opportunity to invite the community to join us in getting prepared together,” shared American Heart Association Hampton Roads Executive Director, MeShall Simmons. “Having the Norfolk Tides join forces with us to bring this day to fruition has been invaluable and we hope that everyone who attends leaves feeling more confident than when they came, in the event that they are called on to save a life.”
As a part of the Lifesaver Day activities, attendees will hear from Keyonna Stewart, who will share the story of her late daughter, and the importance of feeling confident to perform the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR. In addition, Heart Walk sponsor, Bon Secours will be on-site to present Adult & Infant CPR Anytime Training Kits to three deserving community organizations. These training kits allow you to learn basic lifesaving skills in about 30 minutes by streaming videos from the comfort and privacy of your home or workplace. The kits also include first aid topics from choking to how to use an Epinephrine pen, and how to manage bleeding and place a tourniquet. The Infant CPR Anytime Training Kit is a great solution for new parents and families with infants as well as Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) hospitals training new parents and families who want to learn how to be prepared for an infant emergency.
Lifesaver Day will be held at Harbor Park Stadium on Friday, August 23, 2024 from 4:30pm-5:30pm followed by American Heart Association night at Harbor Park beginning at 6:35pm. Participants can contact HamptonRoads@heart.org to learn how to participate. Hands-Only CPR demonstrations are also planned for the American Heart Association’s Peninsula Heart Walk on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Outlook Beach Boardwalk on Fort Monroe and Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Virginia Beach Oceanfront’s 24th Street Park. This year’s Heart Walks are chaired by Julia Jones, Vice President of Quality at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of HII. To register for the Heart Walk, visit www.hamptonroadsheartwalk.org.
For more information on Hands-Only CPR visit, cpr.heart.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
American Heart Association
Jaylyn Brown: 443.866.7733; jaylyn.brown@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
Norfolk Tides Heather McKeating: 757-708-2029; HMcKeating@norfolktides.com
[1] https://newsroom.heart.org/news/new-survey-only-6-out-of-10-adults-feel-comfortable-taking-charge-and-giving-cpr
[2] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001052?utm_campaign=2023stat-update&utm_source=heart&utm_medium=link&utm_content=statshome