On April 24, 2026, during the second day of the NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, the American Heart Association (AHA) taught 1,293 people Hands-Only CPR in one hour, setting a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title. The event aimed to address a critical gap: more than half of cardiac arrest victims outside hospitals do not receive CPR before emergency responders arrive. The record-setting effort was part of the AHA's Nation of Lifesavers movement, which seeks to double survival from sudden cardiac arrest by 2030.
"Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival," said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. "This record-setting moment with our incredible collaborators is about more than a number - it represents nearly 1,300 people who are now prepared to step in and help save a life. That's how we build a Nation of Lifesavers." Cardiac arrest affects 350,000 people annually in the U.S., with only 10% surviving. Hands-Only CPR, which involves chest compressions at 100-120 beats per minute and about two inches deep, can be learned in as little as 90 seconds.
The collaboration included the NFL, Damar Hamlin's Chasing M's Foundation, and Doctor Mike (Dr. Mike Varshavski), a board-certified family physician and health influencer with 30 million social media followers. Hamlin, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a 2022 Monday Night Football game, serves as National Ambassador for the Nation of Lifesavers. "As my experience with cardiac arrest has shown, CPR really does save lives," Hamlin said. "To see my hometown come together to set this record and learn this skill is incredibly meaningful."
Doctor Mike emphasized the simplicity and impact of the skill. "Breaking this record shows how quickly people can learn a lifesaving skill," he said. "In just one hour, nearly 1,300 people learned what the American Heart Association and I say every day, which is 'chest compressions, chest compressions, chest compressions.'" He noted that CPR provides the best chance of survival and can be the difference between life and death for thousands each year.
The NFL and AHA have ongoing year-round initiatives, including community CPR education and youth health programs, supported by the NFL Foundation. Anna Isaacson, NFL SVP of Social Responsibility, stated: "Today's record reflects what's possible when we come together around a shared purpose. We're thrilled to stand alongside the American Heart Association and the Chasing M's Foundation as we successfully set a world record, and, more importantly, equip thousands of people with the skills to make a lifesaving difference."
Nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests occur at home, underscoring the importance of widespread CPR knowledge. The AHA offers free resources, including a 90-second tutorial at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR. More information about the Nation of Lifesavers can be found at www.heart.org/nation.
