BOSTON, MA, April 29, 2024 – As the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) prepares to kick off its annual conference on May 16, 2024, in Boston, MA, it is providing seven life-saving training sessions for Boston hotels, Meet Boston's convention centers, and supporting vendors. Each training session will teach employees how to operate an automated external defibrillator (AED) and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

When experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), time is a critical factor. About 60-80% of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest die before reaching the hospital. CPR and AED use can double or triple someone's chance of survival. Many Boston hotels and public buildings are equipped with AEDs, but training the public on how to use these life-saving devices is crucial. An AED delivers an electrical shock through the chest to the heart when it detects an abnormal rhythm and changes the rhythm back to normal.

"Our Society of heart rhythm care professionals wanted to give back to this community we will call home for a week by providing life-saving training," said Patricia Blake, CEO, Heart Rhythm Society. "Hotels and convention centers often have AEDs, but the devices are not helpful if people do not know how to use them. HRS will facilitate the training of local staff who may be able to offer help in an emergency situation when every second counts."

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest claims the lives of nearly 350,000 people in the U.S. each year. In Boston, only 11.2% of people who experienced a cardiac arrest in 2021 survived, which is similar to the national average.

"HRS is one of Meet Boston's most valued and innovative clients. Boston's healthcare ecosystem is truly unrivaled, with many of the world's most esteemed hospitals and research centers pioneering breakthroughs every day," said Martha J. Sheridan, President and CEO, Meet Boston. "Training is essential, and we applaud HRS for making AED/CPR training available to our hotel and convention center communities. Executing events successfully means executing events safely. Meet Boston is proud to partner with HRS on this important initiative."

Greater Boston is one of the premier meeting destinations in the United States. The city offers more than 100 hotels with meeting spaces and two major convention and event facilities. Each year, Boston welcomes over 19 million visitors, convention delegates, and business travelers.

Training Events Details

Boston Marriott Copley Place, Wellesley Room
Monday, May 6, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
Friday, May 10, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Room 151
Monday, May 13, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Room 251 

Seaport Hotel, Sea Port A
Monday, May 13, 2024, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Moxy Hotel, Full Stage
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Omni Seaport, Ensemble B
Friday, May 17, 2024, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM & 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

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About the Heart Rhythm Society

The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education, and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients and is the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education, and optimal healthcare policies and standards. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, D.C., it has a membership of more than 8,200 heart rhythm professionals from 94 countries. For more information, visit www.HRSonline.org.

About Heart Rhythm 2024

The Heart Rhythm Society's annual Heart Rhythm meeting convenes 8,400+ of the world’s finest clinicians, scientists, researchers, and innovators in the field of cardiac pacing and electrophysiology. More than 1,200 international experts in the field will serve as faculty for the 200+ educational sessions, forums, symposia, and ceremonies, while 110+ exhibitors will showcase innovative products and services. For more information, visit www.HeartRhythm.com.

Improving the Care of Patients

The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) is a 501(c)(3) international nonprofit organization. Founded in 1979, HRS is a leading resource on cardiac pacing and electrophysiology. Our specialty organization represents medical, allied health, and science professionals from more than 90 countries who specialize in cardiac rhythm disorders.

Vision: to end death and suffering due to heart rhythm disorders.

Mission: to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education, and optimal health care policies and standards.