DALLAS – A new consumer survey from the American Heart Association reveals that nearly six in ten American adults still incorrectly believe that only those with special training should perform Hands-Only CPR. This persistent myth can have deadly consequences, as immediate CPR is proven to improve outcomes for cardiac arrest victims. The survey findings, released during Heart Month 2026, underscore the need for widespread education on the simplicity of Hands-Only CPR.
According to the American Heart Association, most cardiac emergencies occur outside of a hospital setting, making bystanders the first line of defense. Research indicates that Hands-Only CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival. However, bystanders step in with CPR only about 41% of the time. The Association's new campaign, 'You Are the First Responder Until Help Arrives,' aims to change that by emphasizing that no medical credentials are needed—just basic knowledge, courage, and the willingness to act.
“People tell us they’re afraid they’ll ‘do it wrong’ or think CPR requires having a certification or taking class before they can help,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. “Here’s what matters - if a teen or adult collapses: call 911, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Your hands can keep blood flowing until professionals arrive.”
The stakes are high: each year in the United States, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of a hospital, and about 90% are fatal. Most occur at home, where a loved one may be the only one nearby to help. A powerful example is Kristen Walenga of Frankfort, Ill., who collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest while making breakfast. Her 15-year-old son, Eddie, who had learned CPR from the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge program, immediately started chest compressions until paramedics arrived. Kristen survived because of her child's preparation and courage.
Hands-Only CPR for teens and adults involves two simple steps: call 911, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100–120 beats per minute—about the tempo of “Stayin’ Alive” or “Uptown Funk.” If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, turn it on and follow the voice prompts. For infants and children, CPR must include breaths.
The American Heart Association offers flexible options to learn CPR, including watching a video online at heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR, taking a class at heart.org/nation, or bringing CPR to communities by asking schools, workplaces, or faith organizations to develop cardiac emergency response plans and secure an AED.
“CPR is a civic duty. Heroism is not limited to uniforms, it is everyday people stepping up for others,” said Rosen. “Strong communities are built by preparedness. Whether you’re at home, the gym, or a child’s soccer game, cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, and you will most likely be saving the life of someone you know and love.”
The campaign aligns with the Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers initiative, sponsored nationally by Walgreens, which aims to double survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030.
