The National Fraternal Order of Police has partnered with the American Heart Association to encourage widespread cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training during American Heart Month 2026, stressing that immediate bystander intervention during cardiac arrest significantly improves survival rates. For the fourth consecutive year, this campaign highlights that providing immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chances of survival when their heart suddenly stops beating. According to the Heart Association's statistics, approximately 350,000 people in the U.S. experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year, with 90% of these incidents resulting in death.
Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, stated that the organization is creating a Nation of Lifesavers by ensuring more people are comfortable delivering CPR when they witness someone experiencing cardiac arrest. Rosen emphasized that anyone can be a first responder during a medical emergency until professional help arrives on the scene. Law enforcement officers and other first responders bring critical skills to cardiac emergencies daily, but survival often begins with a bystander who witnesses the event.
Patrick Yoes, president of the National Fraternal Order of Police, noted that local law enforcement officers work daily to protect lives and keep communities safe, often arriving at moments when seconds make the difference. Yoes explained that by encouraging more citizens to act as initial first responders by knowing and performing CPR, communities strengthen the chain of survival and reinforce a shared commitment to safety and preparedness. Medical experts stress that expanding access to CPR education helps activate the chain of survival earlier, ideally the moment a cardiac emergency occurs.
Ashish Panchal, M.D., Ph.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee, emphasized that when more people are trained, help is already in motion before sirens are heard, which can improve the chance of a positive outcome. Panchal stated that the sooner people realize help is needed, call 9-1-1 and start CPR, the better the odds are the person can recover. The organizations encourage everyone to learn CPR, refresh existing training, and motivate others during American Heart Month, emphasizing that preparedness is a shared responsibility.
More information about this initiative is available at https://www.heart.org/nation. The American Heart Association's research on improving cardiac arrest outcomes is detailed in their scientific statement published in https://doi.org/10.1161/cir.0000000000001303, while comprehensive statistics on heart disease and stroke can be found in their 2025 report at the same link.
