More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States, and approximately 90% of those affected do not survive. On World Restart a Heart Day, the American Heart Association is highlighting a critical barrier to survival: two in three people still believe only trained professionals should perform CPR, a misconception that delays lifesaving action and costs lives. The Association's Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative is working to make CPR a social norm by empowering everyday people to act during a cardiac emergency.
When cardiac arrest strikes, the best chance for survival often rests with those nearby. The Association urges anyone who sees a teen or adult suddenly collapse and not breathing normally to call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives. No medical background is required—just the willingness to step in. Research shows that children as young as 9 can learn CPR, making it a valuable skill for the entire family. To build confidence, individuals can watch a short CPR demonstration video or enroll in a CPR course.
Survivors and rescuers also play a powerful role in inspiring others. The Nation of Lifesavers CPR Storytelling Platform showcases real-life CPR stories that demonstrate the difference one person can make. Individuals are encouraged to Share your own CPR story and apply to join the 2027 Nation of Lifesavers Class, a group of survivors and rescuers committed to raising awareness.
Beyond individual action, the Association calls on every workplace, school, sports facility, and community organization to adopt a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (or CERP). A CERP is a written, practiced plan that outlines how an organization should respond to a cardiac emergency, ensuring staff know their roles, how to activate emergency medical services, begin CPR, and access an automated external defibrillator quickly. Communities can also make CPR part of their culture by volunteering and sharing resources with friends, family, and coworkers.
Manesh R. Patel, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, emphasized that too many people hesitate because they believe lifesaving action should be left to medical professionals. "World Restart a Heart Day is a reminder that parents, neighbors, coworkers, friends and family members are often the first people on the scene," Patel said. "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 Association provides extensive resources to support these efforts, including Bystander CPR information, a downloadable Bystander CPR Infographic, and Hands-Only CPR Resources. A comparison of Hands-Only CPR vs CPR with Breaths is also available. To address disparities, the Association offers a community toolkit in English and Spanish.
The implications of this push extend beyond individual acts of courage. By normalizing CPR and preparedness, the Nation of Lifesavers aims to create communities where anyone, anywhere, is ready to respond. This cultural shift could significantly improve survival rates, which currently remain low. As the Association notes, survival often depends on how quickly bystanders recognize the emergency, call 911, begin CPR, and use an AED. The initiative ultimately seeks to ensure that in the face of a cardiac emergency, no one hesitates because they feel unqualified. To learn more or join the effort, visit heart.org/nation.
