When cardiac arrest occurs, survival often depends on the quick actions of bystanders. Yet two out of three people still believe only trained professionals should perform CPR, a misconception that costs lives. On World Restart a Heart Day, the American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative is challenging communities to make lifesaving action a social norm by helping more people realize they have the power to step in during a cardiac emergency.
Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital in the United States, and approximately 90% of people who experience these events do not survive. Survival often hinges on how quickly people nearby recognize the emergency, call 911, begin CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). "Too many people hesitate during a cardiac emergency because they believe lifesaving action should be left to medical professionals," said Manesh R. Patel, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and chief of cardiology and pharmacology at Duke University School of Medicine. "World Restart a Heart Day is a reminder that parents, neighbors, coworkers, friends and family members are often the first people on the scene. We want to create a culture where everyone has the best chance to survive because everyone is prepared—and confident—to step in and provide CPR."
The initiative encourages four key actions. First, learn CPR by taking a CPR course; research shows children as young as 9 can learn the skill, making it valuable for the whole family. Second, share CPR stories through the Nation of Lifesavers CPR Storytelling Platform, and consider applying to the 2027 Nation of Lifesavers Class. Third, advocate for a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (or CERP). Every workplace, school, sports facility and community organization should have a written and practiced plan outlining roles, emergency activation, CPR and AED access. Fourth, make CPR part of your community's culture by sharing resources and volunteering with friends, family and coworkers.
Additional resources are available to support these efforts, including Bystander CPR information, a Bystander CPR Infographic, Hands-Only CPR Resources, and a guide on Hands-Only CPR vs CPR with Breaths. The Association also offers materials on Women and CPR and Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack to address common misconceptions.
To learn CPR and join the Nation of Lifesavers, visit heart.org/nation. The initiative's long-term goal is to ensure that in the face of a cardiac emergency, anyone, anywhere, is prepared and empowered to perform CPR. More information is available at heart.org and stroke.org.
