CHELMSFORD, MA -- ZOLL Medical, an Asahi Kasei company, announced the next phase of its national Anything Can Happen. Anyone Can Help.™ campaign, aimed at strengthening cardiac emergency readiness where young athletes play.

Sudden cardiac arrest remains the leading cause of death among young athletes1, and approximately 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur nationwide each year.2 Immediate CPR and defibrillation with an AED can dramatically improve survival outcomes before emergency responders arrive, which is why youth sports venues and community gathering places are a critical focus for Anyone Can Help.

Building on its work with pro athlete and cardiac arrest survivor Damar Hamlin, the campaign mobilizes national collaborations to expand AED education and access across youth leagues, engage athletes and youth leaders as advocates, and highlight venues such as Fenway Park as a model for cardiac preparedness.

At the heart of the effort is a simple but critical message: AEDs can empower bystanders to act in emergencies. With clear audio and visual prompts guiding potentially lifesaving actions, AEDs can serve as nearby coaches for bystanders—whether a trainer, parent, teammate or spectator—to respond when every second counts.

“Sudden cardiac arrest doesn’t wait for trained responders,” said Keith Reynolds, head of ZOLL's Public Safety business. “That’s why ZOLL is working to ensure AEDs are visible and ready to use where young athletes play so spectators are empowered to act in the critical moments before EMS can arrive.”

ZOLL’s efforts come as awareness and access gaps around AEDs persist across youth sports settings.

Visit AnyoneCanHelp.com for a free AED Community Activation Kit and tools to help communities build confidence and readiness.