More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals in the United States each year, and approximately 90% of people who experience them do not survive. Yet two in three people mistakenly 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'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 arrest.
The stakes are clear: survival often depends on how quickly bystanders recognize the emergency, call 911, begin CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator. "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. "World Restart a Heart Day is a reminder that parents, neighbors, coworkers, friends and family members are often the first people on the scene."
The association offers four ways to take action. First, learn CPR. A CPR course can provide the skills and confidence to act. Research shows children as young as 9 can learn CPR, making it a valuable skill for the whole family.
Second, share CPR stories. The Nation of Lifesavers CPR Storytelling Platform showcases stories that demonstrate the difference one person can make. Individuals can share their own CPR story and apply to be part of the 2027 Nation of Lifesavers Class, a group of survivors and rescuers committed to raising awareness.
Third, advocate for a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (or CERP). Every workplace, school, sports facility, and community organization should be prepared. A CERP is a written and practiced site-specific plan that outlines how an organization should respond, ensuring staff know their roles and how to access an AED quickly.
Fourth, make CPR part of your community's culture by sharing resources and volunteering with friends, family, and coworkers. Encouraging others to learn CPR helps create communities where more people are ready to respond.
The implications of this push extend beyond individual actions. By normalizing CPR training and preparedness, the Nation of Lifesavers aims to create a culture where anyone, anywhere, is empowered to perform CPR. To learn CPR and join the initiative, visit heart.org/nation. Additional resources include Bystander CPR information and a Bystander CPR Infographic.
For those seeking to understand the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack, the association provides a Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack resource. Community leaders can also access a toolkit for reducing disparities in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, available in English and Spanish. Quick learning is possible: take 90 seconds to learn how to save a life at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.
