According to the American Heart Association, when cardiac arrest occurs outside of a hospital, survival rates remain unacceptably low, often because cardiopulmonary resuscitation is not immediately performed. For the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, Major League Baseball (MLB) and the American Heart Association teamed up to change that reality by providing fans with life-saving skills.
During All-Star Week, fans visiting Philadelphia’s Capital One All-Star Village were treated to hands-on CPR instruction from certified trainers. Throughout the event, participants received walk-up instruction and learned the simple life-saving skills needed to confidently respond to cardiac emergencies. This activation gave fans the knowledge and confidence to take action when the moment matters.
Through this collaboration, MLB and the American Heart Association, a leading global health improvement organization, are encouraging more individuals to take action as part of the Nation of Lifesavers™, a movement aimed at doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. At the 2026 event, more than 2,500 participants learned how to perform chest compressions at the appropriate depth and pace. Research shows that hands-only CPR is as effective as traditional CPR during the first critical moments of response. The steps are simple. If your teen or adult collapses unexpectedly, call 911 and start pressing hard and fast on the center of the chest. The more trained bystanders you have, the better your chances of survival.
By bringing hands-only CPR training to All-Star Village, we were able to connect directly with thousands of fans and equip them with skills that can save lives. Hundreds of thousands of people suffer cardiac arrest outside of hospitals each year. Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation can significantly improve survival rates, so expanding access to training remains a top priority for us. ”
Nancy Brown, CEO, American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a world leader in resuscitation science, education, and training. The association also publishes official scientific guidelines for CPR. According to the association, about nine out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, often because cardiopulmonary resuscitation is not started quickly enough. If you take action now, you can double or even triple your chances of survival.
“We are grateful to the American Heart Association for once again participating in the MLB All-Star Game and are encouraged by the many fans who received Hands-Only CPR instruction at the All-Star Village. We are a proud member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition and the American Heart Association’s national “As a supporter of the National Lifesaver movement, MLB is proud to provide this jewel of an event venue that transforms more fans into lifesavers by providing education and training in lifesaving skills,” said John Coyles. Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical, Health and Safety Programs for Major League Baseball.
The 2026 MLB All-Star Game appearance builds on the American Heart Association’s strong presence at major sporting events across the country as it continues to provide hands-only CPR and AED awareness to fans. The Nation of Lifesavers Mobile CPR Unit has been featured at major sporting events such as the Super Bowl, NFL Draft, MLB All-Star Weekend, and NBA All-Star Weekend.
What is the Smart Heart Sports Federation?
The Heart Association and MLB are founding members of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, created by the National Football League in 2023 to pass policies to prevent the deadly consequences of cardiac arrest in high school students. To date, more than 30 states require school athletic events and venues to implement three best practice policies:
- Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for each high school athletic venue are widely distributed, posted, rehearsed, and updated annually.
- Place a clearly marked automated external defibrillator (AED) at or within 1-3 minutes of each competition venue where high school practices and competitions are held.
- CPR and AED education for coaches.
The American Heart Association and MLB are working to ensure communities across the country are better prepared to respond when it matters most. Learning CPR takes just a few minutes, but it has the power to save lives. To get involved and become a lifesaver, visit Nation of Lifesavers.
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