The National Fraternal Order of Police has partnered with the American Heart Association to urge Americans to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation during American Heart Month 2026, highlighting that immediate bystander action during cardiac arrest can dramatically improve survival outcomes. This marks the fourth consecutive year the organizations have emphasized emergency preparedness, with statistics showing approximately 350,000 people in the U.S. experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually, resulting in death 90% of the time according to the Heart Association's statistics.
"The American Heart Association is creating a Nation of Lifesavers by ensuring more people are comfortable delivering CPR when they witness someone experiencing cardiac arrest," said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. "Anyone can be a first responder during a medical emergency until professional help arrives on the scene." The organizations stress that providing immediate CPR for a person experiencing cardiac arrest can double or even triple their chances of survival, making community education critical.
Law enforcement officers frequently serve as first responders to medical emergencies, arriving at moments when seconds make the difference. "Every day, our local law enforcement officers work to protect lives and keep communities safe," said Patrick Yoes, president of the National Fraternal Order of Police. "By encouraging more citizens to act as initial first responders by knowing and performing CPR, we strengthen the chain of survival and reinforce a shared commitment to safety and preparedness." The partnership emphasizes that survival often begins with a witness to the event, strengthened by rapid response from both citizens and professional responders.
Medical experts explain the critical timing involved in cardiac emergencies. "When more people are trained, help is already in motion before sirens are heard, which can improve the chance of a positive outcome," said Ashish Panchal, M.D., Ph.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee. "The sooner people realize help is needed, call 9-1-1 and start CPR, the better the odds are the person can recover." The American Heart Association provides resources for CPR education through their Nation of Lifesavers initiative.
The organizations encourage everyone to take action by learning CPR, refreshing existing training, and motivating others to do the same during American Heart Month. They emphasize that preparedness is a shared responsibility, and together communities can be ready to respond when seconds matter most. Additional information about the American Heart Association's work can be found at heart.org, while details about the National Fraternal Order of Police are available at fop.net.
