The American Heart Association will bring its Nation of Lifesavers Mobile CPR unit to the Dow Championship LPGA golf event in Midland, Michigan, offering fans walk-up, Hands-Only CPR instruction throughout tournament days. The initiative seeks to address the fact that most people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, largely because they do not receive immediate CPR. According to the American Heart Association, 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital die, often due to a lack of bystander intervention.
Qualified CPR trainers will teach participants the correct rate and depth of chest compressions, emphasizing the simplicity of Hands-Only CPR: call 911 if a teen or adult collapses, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest. The training highlights that Hands-Only CPR can be as effective as traditional CPR in the first few minutes of an emergency. Increasing the number of people ready to act is critical to improving survival outcomes, as immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival.
The American Heart Association, the LPGA, and Dow, a global materials science leader, are partnering to empower more people to respond confidently in cardiac emergencies. This effort supports the Association's Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double survival rates by 2030. As part of Dow's SOAR Summit during tournament week, a fireside chat will feature NFL Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders, National Women's Soccer League player Savy King, and American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown, sharing personal stories of hope and resilience following cardiac events.
"Every second counts when a cardiac arrest occurs, and far too often help doesn't arrive in time because bystanders don't feel prepared to act," said Nancy Brown. "Through the Nation of Lifesavers, we're equipping people with the confidence and skills to step in during those critical moments." Jim Fitterling, chair and CEO of Dow and co-chairperson of the American Heart Association CEO Roundtable, added, "Hosting the Nation of Lifesavers CPR activation at the Dow Championship and convening leaders and athletes at our SOAR Summit reflects our belief in the power of connection, education and action."
The Mobile CPR unit has previously appeared at major events including Super Bowl LX in San Francisco, the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, and multiple NFL drafts. This summer, it will also be at FIFA Fan Festival sites in New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Dallas. The American Heart Association, Dow, and the LPGA are committed to ensuring communities are better prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies wherever fans live, work, and play.
