Golf Fans to Learn Hands-Only CPR at Dow Championship, Aiming to Boost Survival Rates

The American Heart Association (AHA) is bringing its Nation of Lifesavers Mobile CPR unit to the Dow Championship in Midland, Michigan, offering walk-up training in Hands-Only CPR to LPGA fans throughout tournament days. This initiative addresses a critical public health issue: according to the AHA, most people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, largely because they do not receive immediate CPR. When administered promptly, CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.

Qualified CPR trainers will teach participants the correct rate and depth of chest compressions, emphasizing that Hands-Only CPR is as effective as traditional CPR in the first few minutes of an emergency. The technique is simple: call 911 if a teen or adult collapses, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest. The goal is to increase the number of bystanders ready to act, improving survival outcomes.

The training is part of the AHA’s Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. The Dow Championship marks another major sporting event where the AHA has activated its mobile unit, following appearances at Super Bowls, NFL Drafts, and the NBA All-Star Game. The unit will also be at FIFA Fan Festival sites in New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Dallas this summer.

During tournament week, Dow’s SOAR Summit will host a fireside chat featuring NFL Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders, NWSL player Savy King, and AHA CEO Nancy Brown. They will share personal stories of hope and resilience after cardiac events, encouraging fans to join the Nation of Lifesavers. “Every second counts when a cardiac arrest occurs, and far too often help doesn’t arrive in time because bystanders don’t feel prepared to act,” said Brown. “We’re grateful to work with Dow and the LPGA to bring this lifesaving education directly to the community.”

Dow Chair and CEO Jim Fitterling, also co-chair of the AHA CEO Roundtable, emphasized the company’s commitment to healthier communities. “Hosting the Nation of Lifesavers CPR activation at the Dow Championship and convening leaders and athletes at our SOAR Summit reflects our belief in the power of connection, education and action,” he said. The collaboration aims to ensure communities are better prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies wherever fans live, work, and play.

The AHA, the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, publishes official scientific guidelines for CPR. According to AHA data, 9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital die, often because they do not receive immediate CPR. By providing training at high-visibility events like the Dow Championship, the AHA hopes to change that statistic and create a nation of lifesavers.