American Heart Association Launches Nation of Lifesavers to Double Cardiac Arrest Survival Rate
The American Heart Association introduces the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, featuring five real-life CPR stories to encourage bystander action and double the sudden cardiac arrest survival rate by 2030.
The American Heart Association has launched a new storytelling initiative, the Nation of Lifesavers, aimed at doubling the survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest by 2030. The initiative, announced during CPR & AED Awareness Week, highlights five compelling real-life stories of survivors and rescuers who have demonstrated the life-saving power of immediate CPR.
According to the Association, 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, largely because they do not receive immediate CPR more than half of the time. The Nation of Lifesavers initiative aims to change this by shifting public perception of CPR from a medical skill to a shared human responsibility.
“Nearly 2 out of 3 people believe only those with special training should perform CPR, a mistaken belief that costs lives,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. “Everyone should know that the power to save a life is in your hands.”
The inaugural Nation of Lifesavers Class includes five individuals who will share their stories through media and volunteer CPR training opportunities. Philicia Baugh (Charleston, S.C.) performed chest compressions on a loved one during a family trip. Kristen Walenga (Chicago, Ill.) was saved by her children, including 15-year-old Eddie, who learned CPR in school. Matthew Lynch (Cinnaminson, N.J.) performed CPR on a driver and passenger stuck in traffic. Edward Marsh (Houston, Texas) was revived by strangers on a dance floor, and his twin Wallis Marsh learned CPR after his own heart attack and later saved a friend.
When someone’s heart stops, immediate CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use can double or even triple their chance of survival. Yet less than half of people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest receive help from a bystander. The Association emphasizes that medical credentials are not required; anyone can push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees until help arrives.
Walgreens is a proud national sponsor of the Nation of Lifesavers. The Association encourages everyone to learn CPR and join the movement. For more information, visit heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.