New survey findings from the American Heart Association reveal that nearly six in ten American adults still incorrectly believe only those with special training should perform Hands-Only CPR. This persistent misconception represents a significant public health concern, as immediate bystander CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival after cardiac arrest, according to the 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.
With more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occurring outside hospitals annually in the United States, and approximately 90% proving fatal, the association emphasizes that bystanders serve as the crucial first responders until professional help arrives. Currently, bystanders step in with CPR only about 41% of the time, as noted in the 2024 CARES Annual Report available at https://mycares.net/sitepages/uploads/2025/2024_flipbook/index.html?page=32.
"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 association's "You Are the First Responder Until Help Arrives" campaign, launching during Heart Month 2026, aims to demystify the procedure. Hands-Only CPR for teens and adults involves two simple steps: calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100–120 beats per minute. The organization provides resources for learning these basics, including instructional videos and information on finding CPR classes at heart.org/nation.
Real-world examples underscore the impact of basic knowledge. Kristen Walenga of Frankfort, Illinois, survived a sudden cardiac arrest at home after her 15-year-old son Eddie performed CPR he learned through the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge program. This case illustrates how preparation within families and communities can save lives, particularly since most cardiac arrests occur at home.
The survey findings also highlight disparities in CPR reception, with women and Black adults less likely to receive bystander CPR. The association addresses barriers including concerns about doing it incorrectly, fear of legal ramifications, worries about inappropriate contact, and the persistent special training myth, which is more common in historically excluded communities.
As part of its Nation of Lifesavers initiative, sponsored nationally by Walgreens, the American Heart Association aims to turn more bystanders into lifesavers and double survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030. The initiative encourages communities to develop cardiac emergency response plans, host CPR awareness activities, and secure automated external defibrillators (AEDs), devices that can shock a heart back into normal rhythm.
"CPR is a civic duty. Heroism is not limited to uniforms, it is everyday people stepping up for others," Rosen emphasized. "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."
