The Smart Heart Sports Coalition was developed to ensure that all 50 states adopt evidence-based policies that will help prevent fatal outcomes from sudden cardiac arrest among high school students.
Published 11/20/2025
Approximately 23,000 kids aged 18 years or younger in the United States suffer from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) annually. Immediate CPR can triple the rate of survival for someone experiencing SCA, but many states lack the tools and policies to prevent these deaths. Launched in 2023, the Smart Heart Sports Coalition was developed to ensure that all 50 states adopt evidence-based policies that will help prevent fatal outcomes from SCA among high school students.
AAOS is proud to stand alongside the National Football League (NFL) and leading patient and health advocacy groups as a member of this coalition to ensure these policies are implemented around the country. NFL player Damar Hamlin, who went into cardiac arrest during a Buffalo Bills game two years ago, has served as a voice for this community. Hamlin and the Smart Heart Sports Coalition are focused on three critical policy solutions to prevent fatal outcomes from SCA:
- Emergency action plans for high school athletic venues
- Clearly marked automated external defibrillators at or near each athletic venue
- Education for coaches about CPR and automated external defibrillators
AAOS members who serve as team doctors or are otherwise connected to youth sports are encouraged to reach out to the Smart Heart Sports Coalition to access discounted automated external defibrillators for their communities. Together, we can help protect the next generation of athletes and ensure they stay healthy on and off the field.