Survey Reveals Persistent Myth About CPR Training Requirements During Heart Month

The American Heart Association's annual consumer survey reveals that nearly six in ten American adults still incorrectly believe only those with special training should perform Hands-Only CPR. This persistent misconception represents a significant public health challenge, as immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival according to the 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. With most cardiac emergencies occurring outside hospitals and bystanders currently stepping in only about 41% of the time, addressing this training myth is crucial for saving lives.

During Heart Month 2026, the association's "You Are the First Responder Until Help Arrives" campaign emphasizes that medical credentials are not necessary to save a life. "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." The campaign aligns with the association's Nation of Lifesavers initiative, sponsored nationally by Walgreens, which aims to double survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030.

The statistics underscore the urgency of changing public perception. Each year in the United States, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals, with about 90% proving fatal according to the 2026 Heart disease and stroke statistics report. Most occur at home, where family members may be the only potential responders. Real-world examples demonstrate the life-saving potential of basic CPR knowledge, such as when 15-year-old Eddie Walenga saved his mother Kristen after she collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest at home, using skills he learned through the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge program in middle school.

Hands-Only CPR for teens and adults involves two simple steps: calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100-120 beats per minute. The association provides multiple learning pathways, including watching instructional videos and taking classes to build confidence. The organization also encourages communities to develop cardiac emergency response plans and secure automated external defibrillators. However, persistent barriers remain, particularly among women and Black adults who are less likely to receive CPR due to concerns about doing it wrong, fear of legal ramifications, and worries about inappropriate contact.

"CPR is a civic duty. Heroism is not limited to uniforms, it is everyday people stepping up for others," Rosen emphasized. "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 association's efforts to dispel the special training myth are particularly important in historically excluded communities where this perception is even more common, representing a critical step toward equitable health outcomes and building a nation of lifesavers.