Giants Foundation and American Heart Association Equip 12 New Jersey Schools with Critical CPR Training Resources

The New York Giants Foundation has launched a significant community health initiative by providing CPR training and essential emergency response resources to 12 school districts across New Jersey. This collaborative effort with the American Heart Association aims to address the critical need for immediate cardiac emergency intervention by empowering educators, students, and school staff with lifesaving skills.

According to American Heart Association data, nearly 90% of people experiencing cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, largely due to delayed or absent CPR. By providing comprehensive training and equipment, the program seeks to dramatically improve community response to cardiac emergencies, potentially saving numerous lives.

The initiative includes distributing CPR in Schools kits to participating districts, which contain 10 Hands-Only CPR manikins, 10 AED training tools, and comprehensive curriculum materials. Three participating schools also received automated external defibrillators (AEDs), further enhancing their emergency response capabilities.

Participating school districts span diverse New Jersey communities, including Hackensack, Springfield, New Milford, Oradell, Clifton, Montclair, and others. The training event, held at MetLife Stadium, provided school representatives with critical skills including correct compression rates and techniques for emergency cardiac response.

The program aligns with broader national efforts like the NFL's Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which aims to implement evidence-based policies preventing fatal cardiac incidents among students. With approximately 23,000 individuals under 18 experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually, and nearly 40% occurring during sports activities, such training becomes increasingly vital.

Compression-only CPR, or Hands-Only CPR, offers a simplified approach that can be equally effective in the initial minutes of an emergency. This technique involves calling 911 and performing rapid, hard chest compressions, making it more accessible for individuals without extensive medical training.

By investing in community education and providing practical resources, the Giants Foundation and American Heart Association are creating a scalable model for improving emergency preparedness. The initiative demonstrates how strategic partnerships can translate critical health science into practical, life-saving community interventions.