Athletes, lawmakers and health experts unite to promote CPR and AED training

Fox News host Bret Baier reports on efforts to increase access to AEDs and get more people CPR certified on ‘Special Report.’ 

Fewer than 40% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients receive CPR before EMS teams arrive, according to the American Heart Association. Even fewer patients are treated with an automated external defibrillator or AED. 

New initiatives and partnerships are working to change that, with the goal of doubling the survival rate for heart attacks.

"The idea is to ensure that lifesaving policies are in place at the high school level to make sure that our kids, if they suffer sudden cardiac arrest, have the best possible chances of success," said Jeff Miller, the NFL's executive vice president for health and safety innovation.

The NFL and other professional sports leagues are working with the Red Cross and the American Heart Association to promote their Smart Heart Coalition.

10 DIETARY TIPS TO REDUCE HEART DISEASE AND STROKE RISK, ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

"With schools being a focal place for gathering in the community, it's really important that we have emergency response plans," said Nancy Brown, the American Heart Association's CEO. 

"We know that although the statistics are true, that older people are more likely to have a cardiac arrest or a cardiovascular event, young people still have these events as well. So we want to be sure that someone is prepared everywhere to save a life."

An instructor (left) explains CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training as a student practices the medical procedure on a CPR doll in class. (iStock)

When Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed during a live Monday Night Football game about six months ago, his team’s doctors were