Impact Update: CPR willingness grows in the U.S., need to act remains | Financial News (2024)

(NewMediaWire) - June 03, 2024 - DALLAS — More Americans than ever now say they are willing to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of an emergency[1], According to newly released survey data from the American Heart Association. [2] Thanks in part to the recent efforts of the Association and others, the percentage of surveyed adults in the U.S. who say they now feel they have the confidence to perform CPR has increased from 30% to 35%. Scientific data still indicates that fewer than half of all people experiencing cardiac arrest outside of a hospital receive CPR before emergency services arrive.[3]

"There are certain medical emergencies where a moment cannot be wasted and sudden cardiac arrest is one of them,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “At the American Heart Association, we’ve moved the needle towards willingness to perform CPR over the past two years – and that is powerful. But there is so much more to do, we have a goal of doubling survival from cardiac arrest by building a nation of lifesavers who are confident and able to act when the time comes."

To improve the chances of everyone, everywhere surviving a cardiac arrest, the Association launched its Nation of Lifesavers movement a year ago during National CPR and AED Awareness Week (June 1-7). This year, which marks a century of lifesaving service for the American Heart Association, the organization is offering education and activities that can turn a nation of bystanders into a nation of lifesavers, including a new Hands-Only CPR virtual reality (VR) experience, housed within the Meta Oculus app store and a new public service announcement inspiring bystanders to become lifesavers by learning CPR and being prepared to respond in a medical emergency.

CPR is a key link in the chain of survival for many medical emergencies and is especially important as we head into the summer months. Extreme heat may increase incidents of cardiac arrest[4] and an average of 33 drownings occur in the U.S. each day, one-third of which are fatal.[5]Drowning is the second-leading cause of death in children between ages 1 and 4.[6] Conventional CPR, also known as CPR with breaths, should be performed on children and infants, and in certain cases such as drowning and overdose. Unfortunately, only 39% of those surveyed are familiar with conventional CPR and only 23% with Hands-Only CPR.[7]

The American Heart Association offers multiple ways to learn CPR and join the Nation of Lifesavers, as an individual, family, organization or community.

In 2009, the American Heart Association launched a nationwide Hands-Only CPR campaign to raise awareness about this life-saving skill. Since 2012, 11 million people have learned Hands-Only CPR from the American Heart Association via events, training kiosks and video education with the support of Elevance Health Foundation.

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.