More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur each year in the United States, and approximately 90% of people who experience them do not survive. Yet two in three people still believe that only those with special training should perform CPR, a misconception that costs lives. On World Restart a Heart Day, the American Heart Association is challenging that belief through its Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, urging communities to make lifesaving action a social norm. The message is simple: you don't need to be a medical professional to save a life; you just need to be willing.
When cardiac arrest strikes, survival often depends on how quickly people nearby recognize the emergency, call 911, begin CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator. Manesh R. Patel, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, said, "Too many people hesitate during a cardiac emergency 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. 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 outlines four ways to take action. First, learn CPR by taking a CPR course. Research shows children as young as 9 can learn CPR, making it a valuable skill for the whole family. Second, share CPR stories through the Nation of Lifesavers CPR Storytelling Platform, and Share your own CPR story to apply for 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 be prepared. Fourth, make CPR part of your community's culture by sharing resources and volunteering with friends, family, and coworkers.
The implications of this push are significant. If more people are trained and willing to act, survival rates could rise dramatically. The Nation of Lifesavers initiative aims to ensure that in the face of a cardiac emergency, anyone, anywhere, is prepared and empowered to perform CPR. To learn CPR and join the Nation of Lifesavers, visit heart.org/nation. Additional resources include the link to downloadable B-roll, photos, and infographics, as well as the 2025 CPR Guidelines Highlights. The Association also offers Bystander CPR information and a Bystander CPR Infographic (PDF).
For those seeking more detailed guidance, Hands-Only CPR Resources are available, along with a comparison of Hands-Only CPR vs CPR with Breaths. Specific considerations for Women and CPR and an explanation of Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack are also provided. To address disparities, the Association offers a community toolkit in both English and Spanish.
In just 90 seconds, anyone can learn the basics of saving a life at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR. The American Heart Association, a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, has been a leading source of health information for more than a century. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, the organization funds groundbreaking research, advocates for public health, and provides critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. Connect with the Association on heart.org and stroke.org.
