“The American Heart Association has set a goal of doubling the survival of cardiac arrest by 2030.

We know that in order to save more lives from the 350,000 cardiac arrests that occur outside of the hospital every year, we must increase the number of people who respond to cardiac arrest by calling 911, delivering high-quality CPR and using an AED as soon as it is available.

In every cardiac emergency, the real first responder is not always a uniformed professional but often an everyday bystander. Cardiac arrest can strike anywhere- at the gym, in the grocery store, or during a child’s soccer game. However, bystanders only intervene about 40% of the time, often
due to uncertainty or lack of training.

You do not need medical credentials to save a life. What’s required is knowledge, courage, and the readiness to act. This reimagining of heroism challenges the community to see themselves as empowered agents of change- ordinary people with the extraordinary power to make every future
moment possible for someone in crisis.

This American Heart Month the message is clear: anyone can save a life. In every cardiac emergency, the real first responder is not always a uniformed professional but often a friend, family member or even a stranger nearby. Ordinary people have extraordinary power. You are the first responder until professional help arrives. Join the Nation of Lifesavers by learning CPR today and check out the free resources in our 2026 American Heart Month Toolkit.”

American Heart Association (American Heart Month | American Heart Association)