AdventHealth West Florida provides families, coaches with critical hands-on CPR training

June 08, 2024 — TAMPA, Fla. -- AdventHealth provided families and youth sports coaches with hands-on CPR certification training on June 8, 2024, alongside expert-led panel sessions at its upcoming Youth Sports Safety Summit, hosted in partnership with Gasparilla Bowl.

This free event, which took place on Saturday, June 8,. at the AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa was designed to equip coaches and families with the knowledge and skills necessary to safeguard young athletes.

The first part of the summit featured AdventHealth’s leading clinical experts who will share important information on recognizing concussion warning signs, managing heat exhaustion and understanding the mental health needs of athletes.

The afternoon session will focus on CPR certifications and hands-on CPR demonstrations. More than a hundred people have signed up to get certified.

"At AdventHealth, we understand the critical importance of hands-on CPR training for young athletes, coaches and their families,” said Dr. Robert Rosequist, chief medical officer at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. “Being trained in CPR provides the knowledge, confidence and skills to stay calm in a medical emergency and help a person in need. Our hope is that this summit will help save lives on and off the field.”

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes. Estimates vary, but some reports suggest that about 1 in 50,000 to 1 in 80,000 young athletes die of sudden cardiac death each year, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The summit, held in partnership with Gasparilla Bowl and sponsored in part by ESPN Events, is all part of AdventHealth's mission and commitment to community health and safety. Additionally, the first 500 attendees will receive two free tickets to the 2024 Gasparilla Bowl.

State Senator Jay Collins (R-Tampa), who attended the summit, played a pivotal role in the recent passage of HB 865, along with Rep. Brad Yeager (R-New Port Richey). This legislation, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, mandates that Florida public school athletic coaches maintain certification in CPR, first aid and AED use.

"I am excited to see AdventHealth support efforts to educate community members about the importance of CPR and getting certified,” Collins said. "The passage of HB 865 is not just a legislative achievement; it’s a promise to our young athletes and their families that their safety is our utmost priority. This initiative aligns perfectly with the goals of HB 865 and represents a critical step forward in our ongoing effort to foster a safe and supportive environment for youth athletics throughout Florida."

HB 865 will take effect starting July 1, 2024.

For those who would like further CPR training can sign up by going to our events page and searching “CPR”.