The Coaches CARE Training Initiative launched in January 2023. The goal of this program is to provide sports coaches, players, and spectators throughout Southeast Wisconsin and Northern Illinois with high-quality CPR and AED training to increase the likelihood of survival for sudden cardiac arrest victims.​ CARE stands for Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation Enhancement.

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This Initiative was inspired by events that occurred during a Monday Night Football game on January 2, 2023 when Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field after making a tackle and suffered cardiac arrest. Hamlin was resuscitated on the field by on-site emergency medical providers as well as the team’s training staff and transported to a local hospital for further treatment.

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The events of January 2 proved that immediate hands-on CPR and defibrillation can save a life. However, we came to the realization that unlike a college or professional sports team, most of our local teams lack the resources to have on-site medical staff at their games in case an emergency occurs. Furthermore, we realized that most people do not have the necessary training to properly respond to a medical emergency, perform CPR, or operate an AED. Furthermore, Wisconsin and Illinois laws do not require that unpaid coaches be trained to perform CPR or operate an AED, so many coaches never receive the necessary training that teaches these lifesaving skills. Additionally, receiving the training that's needed to properly perform CPR and operate an AED is often a costly out-of-pocket expense for a volunteer coach.

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That's where we decided we could make a difference. As players and coaches ourselves, we know all about the positive impact that a coach can have on a person's life, and we know that a good coach will do anything to help their players. Unfortunately, we also know that an emergency can happen anywhere. That's why we want to ensure that every dugout and sideline in Southeast Wisconsin and Northern Illinois has a coach that's been trained to perform CPR, operate an AED, and take control of an emergency situation until first responders arrive. As we build this program, we hope to expand our reach beyond the Great Lakes Region as well as develop the resources to provide AEDs to teams that do not currently have access to one at their facility or the means to purchase their own.

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To learn more about The Coaches CARE Training Initiative, continue reading below, visit us on social media, or contact us. If you're a coach who's interested in this training, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page. If you'd like to donate to this program, please contact us.