New survey findings from the American Heart Association reveal that nearly six in ten American adults still incorrectly believe only those with special training should perform Hands-Only CPR, a dangerous misconception that reduces survival rates during cardiac emergencies. The perpetuation of this myth can be the difference between life and death, as immediate CPR is proven to improve outcomes, with research indicating it can double or even triple a person's chance of survival.
Because most cardiac emergencies happen outside of hospital settings, the fastest way for anyone to be a "first responder until help arrives" is to call 9-1-1 and immediately take action with Hands-Only CPR. Today, bystanders step in with CPR only about 41% of the time, according to the 2024 CARES Annual Report available at https://mycares.net/sitepages/uploads/2025/2024_flipbook/index.html?page=32. The American Heart Association is working to change this through their "You Are the First Responder Until Help Arrives" campaign launching during Heart Month 2026.
"People tell us they're afraid they'll 'do it wrong' or think CPR requires having a certification or taking class before they can help," said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. "Here's what matters - if a teen or adult collapses: call 911, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Your hands can keep blood flowing until professionals arrive."
Each year in the United States, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of a hospital and about 90% are fatal, according to the 2026 Heart disease and stroke statistics report published in Circulation. Most occur at home, where a loved one may be the only one nearby to help. The story of Kristen Walenga illustrates this reality - her 15-year-old son Eddie, who had learned CPR from the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge program, performed chest compressions when she collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest, saving her life.
To bust the "special training" myth, it is important to understand that Hands-Only CPR for teens and adults has two simple steps: call 911, and push hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100-120 beats per minute, about the tempo of "Stayin' Alive" or "Uptown Funk." If an automated external defibrillator is available, turn it on and follow the voice prompts. For infants and children, CPR must include breaths.
During American Heart Month, the Heart Association invites people to choose learning paths that fit their lives. People can watch and learn the basics of Hands-Only CPR, take a class to build confidence and learn when to add breaths, how to use an AED and how to help children and infants by finding a CPR class at https://www.heart.org/nation, or bring CPR to their circles by asking schools, workplaces, faith communities or gyms to develop cardiac emergency response plans, host CPR awareness activities and secure AEDs.
Many people hesitate and some groups, including women and Black adults, are still less likely to receive CPR. The Heart Association's focus specifically addresses barriers such as concerns about doing it "wrong," fear of legal ramifications and worries about inappropriate contact, as well as the persistent belief that special training is required, a perception that is even more common in historically excluded communities.
"CPR is a civic duty. Heroism is not limited to uniforms, it is everyday people stepping up for others," said Rosen. "Strong communities are built by preparedness. Whether you're at home, the gym, or a child's soccer game, cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, and you will most likely be saving the life of someone you know and love."
The "You Are the First Responder" campaign aligns with the Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers initiative, sponsored nationally by Walgreens, to turn more bystanders into lifesavers and double survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030. The 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care published in Circulation provide the scientific foundation for these efforts, emphasizing that immediate bystander action saves lives.
