Baptist Health recently hosted Heart of the Game: CPR & AED Training for student-athletes in Miami-Dade County. The event was at the Baptist Health Training Facility, home of the Miami Dolphins, and is one of the largest CPR training events in the country. This community event was led by the director of sports cardiology for Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Eli Friedman, M.D., who taught students CPR and how to use AEDs (automated external defibrillators). While rare, according to the National Institutes of Health, sudden cardiac death is the most common medical cause of death in athletes, accounting for 13% of fatalities. More than 80% of athletes who suffer a cardiac event survive when someone can provide CPR or if there is an AED that can be used to resuscitate someone.
CPR Volunteers for Baptist Health South Florida
“Every second counts when an athlete suffers a cardiac event. Teaching CPR and ensuring an AED is nearby can mean the difference between life and death,” said Dr. Friedman. “Immediate, effective intervention can restore a heartbeat, prevent severe complications, and give someone the best chance at survival.”
The Heart of the Game event hosted over 600 student-athletes giving them first-hand experience to learn how to provide CPR to someone in need as well as how to use an AED. AED developer, Avive, donated two AEDs following the event, one to Baptist Health and the other to the Miami-Dade County Public Schools. This fun-filled day taught the importance of teamwork, safety, and community impact. A generous contribution from Baptist Health Foundation made this event possible.
