Kevin Harker from the American Heart Association joined Roy Kessel and Sports Philanthropy Network on Radio Row at the Super Bowl. Kevin shared his insight into the importance of Hands-Only CPR, the role of AED accessibility in saving lives, and the need for increased CPR awareness in schools and sports organizations. He emphasized how immediate action during cardiac emergencies can significantly improve survival rates and discussed initiatives aimed at making life-saving techniques more widely known and accessible.
Kevin Harker
Kevin Harker is a seasoned professional with a passion for health and wellness. Currently serving as a Senior Executive at the American Heart Association, Kevin has dedicated his career to improving cardiovascular health through public relations, community engagement, and strategic partnerships. His work focuses on leveraging sports and entertainment platforms to raise awareness and encourage healthier lifestyles.
In his role, Kevin builds meaningful connections with stakeholders, athletes, and organizations to promote the American Heart Association’s mission. He is deeply committed to empowering individuals and communities to take action against heart disease and stroke. Through innovative programs and initiatives, he works to inspire lasting change that impacts lives on a national scale.
Kevin’s leadership and ability to inspire others extend beyond his professional endeavors. With a strong track record of success in non-profit management, he consistently drives results and fosters collaboration across various sectors. His passion for heart health and his dedication to making a difference in people’s lives makes him a highly respected figure in the health and wellness community.
American Heart Association
The American Heart Association (AHA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Founded in 1924, the AHA has become one of the leading health organizations in the world, working tirelessly to reduce the impact of cardiovascular diseases and improve the overall heart health of communities across the globe. Through research, education, and advocacy, the AHA strives to save lives and create healthier environments.
The AHA is committed to advancing scientific research that leads to breakthroughs in the prevention, treatment, and cure of heart disease and stroke. By funding vital research, the organization supports the development of innovative medical treatments and policies that improve heart health for people of all ages. Additionally, the AHA provides resources to help individuals manage their health and reduce their risk of heart disease, including educational programs, public health campaigns, and lifestyle tips.
Beyond its focus on research and education, the American Heart Association works to influence public policy and promote heart health through partnerships with local, state, and national entities. The AHA advocates for improved healthcare access, healthy food options, and greater physical activity, ensuring that heart health remains a top priority. Their mission is to build a healthier world through collaboration, engagement, and continued dedication to reducing cardiovascular disease.
WATCH INTERVIEW
0:00 – 0:36 – Host Roy Kessle welcomes Kevin Harker from the American Heart Association (AHA) to Radio Row at the Super Bowl. He notes that Kevin is wearing red, the signature color of the AHA, but also points out that it matches his hometown team, the Kansas City Chiefs. Kevin shares that he is a lifelong Chiefs fan, having supported the team through both the difficult and successful years.
0:55 – 1:41 – Kevin explains that one of the AHA’s biggest initiatives is promoting Hands-Only CPR, which involves just two simple steps: first, calling 911 immediately upon witnessing someone collapse, and second, pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest until medical professionals arrive. He emphasizes that the organization has set an ambitious goal of doubling the survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest, making widespread CPR awareness and training a top priority.
1:56 – 2:34 – The discussion shifts to how CPR training has evolved over the years. Kevin explains that past methods included mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, but research has now proven that chest compressions alone are often sufficient to save lives. He highlights the importance of using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) whenever one is available, as it can significantly increase survival chances. He stresses that bystanders should not hesitate to take action in an emergency, as AEDs provide step-by-step voice instructions to guide users through the process.
2:50 – 3:35 – Kevin points out a critical statistic: about 70% of cardiac arrest cases occur at home, meaning that the person performing CPR is often trying to save the life of a family member or close friend. He urges everyone to become familiar with CPR basics, even if they are not officially certified, because knowing what to do in those crucial moments could mean the difference between life and death.
3:46 – 4:49 – Kevin introduces the concept of Telephone CPR (T-CPR), a program aimed at ensuring that 911 operators are trained to provide clear, step-by-step instructions for performing CPR over the phone. He explains that while it is ideal for everyone to know CPR beforehand, T-CPR acts as a crucial safety net for those who may not be familiar with the procedure. The initiative is pushing for all emergency call centers to be equipped with properly trained operators who can guide callers through life-saving measures until medical professionals arrive.
4:58 – 5:39 – Kevin discusses how sudden cardiac arrest is not just a concern for older adults—it can also affect young athletes. He highlights how high school and college sports programs, which invest significant money into their teams, should make it a priority to have AEDs readily available at games and practices. He notes that AEDs are relatively affordable, typically costing only a few thousand dollars, and that grants exist to help schools acquire them. Despite this, many institutions still do not have easy access to these life-saving devices.
5:42 – 6:22 – While cost is often cited as a barrier to AED availability, Kevin shares a tragic example where a school had four AEDs on campus but failed to make them accessible. All the devices were locked inside administrative offices, making them unreachable during a soccer practice when a student collapsed. Unfortunately, without immediate access to the AED, the student lost his life. Kevin emphasizes that having an AED is not enough—it must be easily accessible in case of an emergency.
6:31 – 7:09 – The conversation shifts to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who suffered a cardiac arrest on the field during an NFL game. Kevin points out that Hamlin’s survival was largely due to the immediate presence of trained medical personnel who were able to perform CPR and use an AED without delay. He contrasts this with other public settings, like Radio Row at the Super Bowl, where finding an AED and responding quickly to a cardiac emergency would be much more challenging due to the chaotic environment.
7:26 – 8:29 – Kevin shares a personal story about a time when he witnessed a man collapse at an airport in Chicago. Along with three other bystanders, he immediately took action, calling 911, performing hands-only CPR, and using an AED to administer three shocks to the man. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the 86-year-old man did not survive. However, Kevin later received a call from the man’s son, who expressed gratitude for their attempts, saying they had given his father every possible chance at survival. Kevin describes the experience as a powerful reminder of why CPR training and AED accessibility are so critical.
8:38 – 9:16 – Kevin encourages listeners to take action by learning CPR, donating to the AHA, or supporting efforts to improve AED accessibility. He reminds everyone that if they ever have to perform CPR, it will most likely be on someone they know and love. As a final gesture, he participates in the Sports Philanthropy Network’s “Wall of Philanthropy” by writing “Life is Why,” dedicating it to his mother, who suffered from heart disease. Before signing off, he also takes a moment to include a “Go Chiefs” message, showing his continued loyalty to his team.
