EFL Games to Kick Off Late for CPR Awareness
All English Football League games across a four-day period in February will begin one minute late to raise awareness for the Every Minute Matters campaign. The initiative will be in place for 36 matches across the Championship, League One, and League Two between 5 and 9 February.
The EFL, in partnership with sponsor Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation (BHF), is highlighting the importance of speed when it comes to performing life-saving CPR. Later kick-off times will serve as "a stark reminder that every minute matters," the EFL said.
The campaign is a direct response to the cardiac arrest suffered by Bristol Rovers defender Tom Lockyer. Lockyer collapsed while playing for Luton Town eight minutes into the Championship play-off final against Coventry in May 2023. He then suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch seven months later during a Premier League game at Bournemouth.
Tom Lockyer: A Survivor's Story
"What happened to me can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time," said Lockyer, who is now a BHF ambassador. "Every year, more than 40,000 people in the UK suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and most of them never make it home. I'm here today because of the transformative power of CPR as every minute matters when it comes to saving a life."
Lockyer's experience underscores the critical need for immediate CPR in the event of a cardiac arrest. His survival is a testament to the effectiveness of quick intervention and the importance of public awareness about CPR.
Every Minute Matters Campaign
Throughout February, the Every Minute Matters campaign will call on fans to learn CPR using the BHF's online RevivR tool. The initiative aims to educate the public on the importance of CPR and provide easy access to training resources.
"Each minute without CPR reduces a person's chance of survival, so we're urging fans to learn the skills now, before you ever need them," said Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the BHF.
Learning CPR: A Simple Step to Save Lives
The BHF offers an online tool called RevivR, which provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform CPR. The tool is designed to be accessible and easy to use, making it possible for anyone to learn this life-saving skill in a matter of minutes.
"This February, we want everyone to get behind this life-saving initiative, learn the skills, and be ready to step in because your actions could give someone else the chance I was given," added Lockyer.
EFL Chief Executive's Statement
EFL chief executive officer Trevor Birch emphasized the significance of the initiative. "The one minute kick-off adjustment is a simple, powerful reminder that swift CPR can be the difference between life and death," Birch said.
The EFL, Sky Bet, and the BHF have been working together since May 2024 to promote the Every Minute Matters campaign. Their collaboration aims to raise awareness about cardiac health and the importance of immediate action in the event of a cardiac arrest.
The Impact of Delayed Kick-Offs
The delayed kick-offs are not just a symbolic gesture; they are a practical way to engage fans and raise awareness about a critical health issue. By involving football fans in the campaign, the organizers hope to reach a wide audience and encourage more people to learn CPR.
Football has always been a unifying force, bringing people together for a common cause. In this case, the EFL is leveraging the sport's popularity to promote a vital public health message. The delayed kick-offs serve as a gentle nudge, reminding fans that their actions can make a difference in someone's life.
How Fans Can Get Involved
During February, fans are encouraged to visit the BHF's website and use the RevivR tool to learn CPR. The initiative also includes various activities and events across EFL clubs, providing fans with opportunities to engage with the campaign and learn more about cardiac health.
"We are incredibly grateful to the EFL, Sky Bet, and all our partners for their support in this vital campaign," said Dr Griffiths. "Together, we can make a difference and save lives."
The Long-Term Vision
The Every Minute Matters campaign is part of a broader effort to improve cardiac health awareness and preparedness in the UK. The BHF aims to equip more people with the skills to perform CPR, thereby increasing the chances of survival for those who suffer a cardiac arrest.
The delayed kick-offs in February are just the beginning. The organizers hope that this initiative will inspire ongoing conversations about cardiac health and encourage more people to take action. By working together, the EFL, Sky Bet, and the BHF can create a lasting impact and save lives.
Conclusion
The delayed kick-offs in EFL games this February are a powerful reminder of the importance of CPR. Through the Every Minute Matters campaign, the organizers are not only raising awareness but also providing practical tools and resources to help people learn this life-saving skill. As football fans across the country come together to support this initiative, the message is clear: every minute matters, and your actions can make a difference.
