More Americans Feel Confident in Performing CPR, Survey Reveals

The American Heart Association has reported a notable increase in public confidence to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), with 39% of U.S. adults now feeling prepared to act during a cardiac emergency. This represents approximately 17.7 million more Americans feeling capable of providing lifesaving intervention compared to previous assessments.

The survey, conducted by Decision Analyst, comes at a critical time when more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals annually in the United States. Nearly 90% of these incidents prove fatal, underscoring the importance of bystander intervention. Particularly concerning is that three-quarters of these cardiac arrests happen in homes, where immediate response can mean the difference between life and death.

The increased confidence follows the American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, launched in 2023 with the ambitious goal of doubling sudden cardiac arrest survival rates. The organization has focused on making CPR training more accessible through various methods, including online resources, virtual reality training, and at-home learning kits.

For adults and teens, Hands-Only CPR has emerged as an effective technique, involving immediate 9-1-1 contact and chest compressions at 100-120 beats per minute. For children and infants, the approach differs, requiring rescue breaths – a critical distinction highlighted by the Association.

The survey's findings are particularly significant given recent high-profile cardiac events, such as Damar Hamlin's on-field collapse during Monday Night Football in 2023, which brought public attention to the importance of emergency medical response skills.

With more than 23,000 children experiencing life-threatening cardiac events annually, and nearly 20% occurring in infants, the ability to perform CPR can be a crucial life-saving skill for families, educators, and community members.