The American Heart Association, in partnership with Kansas Electric, has taken a proactive step to protect young athletes in Kansas. On Wednesday, recreation centers in Butler County and Sedgwick County received new CPR and AED training kits designed specifically for sports leagues.
What the kits include
Each kit contains a CPR mannequin that provides real‑time feedback with an audible click when compressions are performed correctly. The click lets users know they are applying the proper depth and rate, helping them build confidence and skill before they ever need to use the technique in a real emergency.
Why the focus on sports
Sudden cardiac arrest affects more than 23,000 children nationwide each year, and roughly four in ten of those incidents occur during athletic activities. By placing training resources directly in the hands of coaches, volunteers, and parents, the program aims to turn bystanders into lifesavers on the field, court, or track.
Voices from the effort
“That’s a big thing – just people gaining confidence in their skills. The click lets them know they’re doing it right, and after working with the mannequins they feel prepared to step up from a bystander to a lifesaver,” said Madi Dinkel, Development Director with the American Heart Association.
Local impact
Both Butler and Sedgwick counties host a wide range of youth sports programs, from Little League baseball to community soccer leagues. The new kits will be used in training sessions held at local recreation centers, ensuring that coaches and volunteers have hands‑on experience before the start of each season.
How communities can get involved
Parents and community members are encouraged to attend upcoming CPR workshops hosted by the recreation centers. These sessions are free and open to anyone who works with youth athletes, reinforcing the shared responsibility of keeping children safe.
Looking ahead
The American Heart Association plans to expand the program to additional counties in Kansas, with the goal of reaching every youth sports league in the state. By equipping more volunteers with life‑saving skills, the organization hopes to reduce the number of tragic outcomes from sudden cardiac events.
For more information on upcoming training dates or to volunteer as a CPR instructor, contact your local recreation center or visit the American Heart Association’s website.
Original reporting: KWCH 12 (Gray) – local — read the source article.
