The American Heart Association, in collaboration with Dow and the LPGA, is bringing its Nation of Lifesavers Mobile CPR unit to the Dow Championship in Midland, Michigan, offering golf fans walk-up Hands-Only CPR training throughout tournament days. The initiative aims to address a critical public health issue: most people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, largely because they do not receive immediate CPR, according to the American Heart Association.
The mobile unit will be staffed by qualified CPR trainers who will teach participants the correct rate and depth of chest compressions. The technique is simple: if you see a teen or adult collapse, call 911, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Hands-Only CPR can be just as effective as traditional CPR during the first few minutes of an emergency, and increasing the number of people ready to act can double or triple a victim's chance of survival, per Association data.
This effort is part of the American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. The Association has previously activated at major sporting events including Super Bowl LX, the NFL Draft, and the NBA All-Star Game. This summer, the Mobile CPR Unit will also appear at FIFA Fan Festival sites in New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Dallas.
During tournament week, Dow's SOAR Summit will host a fireside chat featuring NFL Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders, National Women's Soccer League player Savy King, and American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown. They will share personal stories of resilience and recovery following cardiac events, underscoring the importance of learning CPR and being prepared to respond in an emergency.
“Every second counts when a cardiac arrest occurs, and far too often help doesn't arrive in time because bystanders don't feel prepared to act,” said Nancy Brown. “We're grateful to work with Dow and the LPGA at the Dow Championship to bring this lifesaving education directly to the community.”
Jim Fitterling, chair and CEO of Dow and co-chairperson of the American Heart Association CEO Roundtable, emphasized the company's commitment to healthier communities. “By bringing people together around these important conversations and skills, we can help ensure more individuals are prepared to respond in an emergency and create lasting impact far beyond tournament week,” he said.
The American Heart Association is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education, and training, publishing the official scientific guidelines for CPR. According to the Association, 9 out of every 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital die, often because they do not receive immediate CPR. The Association's data shows that immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival.
Fans interested in learning how to save a life in just 90 seconds can visit www.heart.org/nation to join the Nation of Lifesavers.
