By: Elyssa Hernandez

The Dallas Cowboys hosted a free one-day coaching clinic for hundreds of youths, middle, and high school football coaches, which included hands-on-only CPR. The training was presented by American Red Cross and American Heart Association as the first event since the NFL’s Smart Heart Sports Coalition was founded. Hundreds of coaches gained lifesaving skills by going through this CPR training.

Cowboys Owner and General Manager, Jerry Jones spoke to the coaches at lunch and shared that they have an essential role for kids of all ages. The qualities and examples set by their coaches can impact athletes and their lives. Coaches have the responsibility of being role models and being able to keep them safe. He shared that being able to watch these kids grow is a privilege. Coaches can teach them about the world through sports. Attending this training shows the dedication these coaches have for their athletes.

Coach Brandon Palmer of Whitewright said, “Coaching is about teaching kids to have the mindset of fun but also wanting to win and respect the game.”

Confidence is one of the critical aspects the coaches gained from this training. Coach Emily Hawkes of Little Elm said, “Hopefully we never have to use it (CPR) but now I am confident if I do.” With the coaches being trained in CPR, the athletes’ parents can have confidence in the coaches that they are prepared in an emergency situation. No one wants to use their CPR training, but life is unexpected, and it is always best to be prepared.

At 100 to 120 compressions a minute performing CPR can get tiring fast. Coach Marcus McNutt from St. Philips School and Community Center in Dallas said “Keeping up with the beats per minute was tough. After just of two minutes, I was out there sweating.”

Through this training, the coaches learned how strenuous CPR can be and how important it is to practice. Coach McNutt expressed how anyone can practice CPR and be able to step up and use it to save a life. In emergencies, seconds can make a difference in someone’s life.

The coaches were also able to practice the use of an AED. The AED is simple to use but to many can be intimidating. Master Trainor Alyson Elliot explained exactly what an AED is and the safety of using one. “An automated external defibrillator, or AED, can be used to treat cardiac arrest by delivering an electrical shock. If one is available, have someone phone 9-1-1 and bring you the AED. AEDs are often mounted on walls and have visible signs posted near them to help you locate them. Using an AED is safe. It won’t shock someone unless they really do need it. Once an AED arrives, use it immediately.”

Training with an AED was helpful to many. The coaches were able to familiarize themselves with the process of an AED and how to use one in an emergency.

Practicing the steps of CPR in a non-life-threatening situation is how lives can be saved when it really matters. There is always room to grow and learn. The coaches that attended this training were not only able to gain valuable football strategies but also gained knowledge of how to save someone using CPR. To learn more about CPR, First Aid and AED training visit here.