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. On World Restart a Heart Day, the American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers initiative is calling on communities to change that statistic by making lifesaving action a social norm. The organization emphasizes that bystanders—not medical professionals—are usually the first people on the scene when cardiac arrest strikes.
A key barrier is public perception: 2 in 3 people still mistakenly believe only those with special training should perform CPR. That misconception costs lives. "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 and chief of cardiology and pharmacology at Duke University School of Medicine. "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. A short demonstration video or 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 from survivors, rescuers, and families, demonstrating the difference one person can make. Individuals can Share your own CPR story and apply to be part of the 2027 Nation of Lifesavers Class, a group 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, practiced plan that outlines how an organization should respond, ensuring staff know their roles, how to activate emergency medical services, begin CPR, and access an automated external defibrillator quickly. Fourth, make CPR part of your community's culture by sharing resources and volunteering with friends, family, and coworkers.
The implications are significant. With survival often depending on how quickly bystanders recognize the emergency, call 911, begin CPR, and use an AED, widespread training and preparedness could dramatically improve outcomes. 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. Walgreens is a proud national sponsor. 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, along with Hands-Only CPR Resources and a comparison of Hands-Only CPR vs CPR with Breaths. Special attention is given to Women and CPR and to understanding Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack. To address disparities, toolkits are available in English and Spanish. Take 90 seconds to learn how to save a life at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.
