Allegheny Health Network (AHN), Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) and the Pittsburgh Pirates will join forces on Saturday, June 10, to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training at PNC Park.
This unique collaboration aims to empower community members by equipping them with essential life-saving skills and knowledge. The CPR and AED training will provide participants with the ability to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies, while also providing a unique fan experience.
During the event, which starts at noon, participants will go through 30 minutes of hands-on CPR training and 30 minutes of AED training, led by AHN’s Prehospital Care team. The exercises will be followed by 30 minutes of fan activities, concluding at 1:30 p.m. with early game entry to view batting practice.
“If CPR is performed within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, the individual’s chances of survival can double or triple,” said Robert Twaddle, Ed.D., EMT-P, vice president of prehospital care at AHN. “CPR and AED training empowers the general public to become immediate responders in life-threatening situations and increases the chances of survival for someone who suffers a cardiac emergency.”
As a token of appreciation for their commitment to attending the CPR and AED training, each participant will receive one complimentary game ticket to stay and watch the matchup between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets at 4:05 p.m.
Highmark Health and Pittsburgh Pirates Charities are also teaming up to donate AED devices to local youth sports programs during the training event. Participants will have the opportunity to "Lead the Charge" by racing stationary bikes to the goal of donating as many devices as possible.
The AEDs will be donated to youth baseball and softball organizations as part of the Pirates Charities Fields for Kids program, presented by Highmark. Fields for Kids also provides financial support for the construction and upkeep of area fields in the Pittsburgh region as well as Bradenton, Florida, which is where the Pirates hold their annual spring training.
“The Pittsburgh Pirates are proud to partner with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Allegheny Health Network to bring CPR and AED training to our fans in a unique environment,” said Travis Williams, Pirates President. “Together, we are making a positive impact by ensuring that our community is well-equipped to handle emergencies and potentially save lives.”
The training is open to the first 150 participants who register. Interested individuals are encouraged to secure their spot early as space is expected to fill up quickly. To register, please visit https://www.mlb.com/pirates/community/cpr-aedtraining.