A new consumer survey from the American Heart Association reveals that nearly six in ten American adults still incorrectly believe only those with special training should perform Hands-Only CPR. The perpetuation of this myth can be the difference between life and death, as science tells us immediate CPR is proven to improve outcomes. Because most cardiac emergencies happen outside of a hospital setting, the fastest way for anyone to be a 'first responder until help arrives' and save a life is to call 9-1-1 and immediately take action with Hands-Only CPR. Research indicates Hands-Only CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.
Launching this February during Heart Month 2026, the Heart Association’s theme, 'You Are the First Responder Until Help Arrives,' reinforces a simple truth: you don’t need medical credentials to save a life; all you need is basic knowledge, courage and the willingness to act. Today, bystanders step in with CPR only about 41% of the time. The American Heart Association is working to change that.
'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.'
Each year in the United States, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of a hospital and about 90% are fatal. Most occur at home, where a loved one may be the only one nearby to help. Kristen Walenga, 47 at the time, of Frankfort, Ill., was the only adult at home when she collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest while making breakfast one Saturday morning. Her 15-year-old son, Eddie, who had learned CPR from the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge program when he was in middle school, knew what to do and immediately took action. With his other siblings calling 911 for help, he started chest compressions until paramedics arrived. Kristen survived because of her child’s preparation and courage.
To bust the 'special training' myth, it is important to understand that Hands-Only CPR for teens and adults has two simple steps: (1) call 911; and (2) push hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100–120 beats per minute, about the tempo of 'Stayin’ Alive' or 'Uptown Funk.' If an automated external defibrillator (AED) that can shock a heart back into a normal rhythm is available, turn it on and follow the voice prompts. For infants and children, CPR must include breaths.
You can learn CPR today with fast, flexible options for everyone. During American Heart Month, the Heart Association invites people to choose the path that fits their life, at home, at work or at school. Watch and learn the basics of Hands-Only CPR. Take a class to build confidence and learn when to add breaths, how to use an AED and how to help children and infants. Find a CPR class at heart.org/nation. Bring CPR to your circles by asking your school, workplace, faith community or gym to develop cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs), host CPR awareness activities and secure an AED.
Many people hesitate and some groups, including women and Black adults, are still less likely to receive CPR. The Heart Association’s focus specifically addresses barriers such as concerns about doing it 'wrong,' fear of legal ramifications and worries about inappropriate contact, as well as the persistent belief that special training is required, a perception that is even more common in historically excluded communities.
'CPR is a civic duty. Heroism is not limited to uniforms, it is everyday people stepping up for others,' said Rosen. '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. Being prepared and willing to help strengthens the fabric of our nation.'
'You Are the First Responder' aligns with the Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers initiative, sponsored nationally by Walgreens, to turn more bystanders into lifesavers and double survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030.
