American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers Urges Texans to Act on World Restart a Heart Day

More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital in the United States each year, and approximately 90% of people who experience these events do not survive, according to the American Heart Association. On World Restart a Heart Day, the organization's Nation of Lifesavers initiative is challenging communities to make lifesaving action a social norm by helping more people realize they have the power to step in during a cardiac arrest emergency.

A key barrier is perception: 2 in 3 people still mistakenly believe only those with special training should perform CPR, a misconception that costs lives. The Association stresses that you don't need to be a medical professional; you just need to be willing. If you see a teen or adult who has suddenly collapsed and is not breathing normally, call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives.

"Too many people hesitate during a cardiac emergency because they believe lifesaving action should be left to medical professionals," said Manesh R. Patel, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. "World Restart a Heart Day is a reminder that parents, neighbors, coworkers, friends and family members are often the first people on the scene. We want to create a culture where everyone has the best chance to survive because everyone is prepared - and confident - to step in and provide CPR."

The Association offers four ways to take action. First, learn CPR by watching a short demonstration or taking a CPR course; research shows children as young as 9 can learn CPR. Second, share CPR stories through the Nation of Lifesavers CPR Storytelling Platform and consider applying to the 2027 Nation of Lifesavers Class. Third, advocate for a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, or (or CERP). a written and practiced site-specific plan for workplaces, schools, sports facilities and community organizations. Fourth, make CPR part of your community's culture by sharing resources and volunteering with friends, family and coworkers.

For Texas businesses, the implications are significant. Cardiac arrests can happen anywhere—on job sites, in offices, at schools and during community events. Implementing a CERP and training employees in CPR can mean the difference between life and death, while also demonstrating a commitment to workplace safety and community well-being. The Bystander CPR resources and Bystander CPR Infographic provide practical guidance. Additionally, the Hands-Only CPR vs CPR with Breaths document clarifies techniques, and the Women and CPR page addresses disparities. Understanding the difference between Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack is also crucial for proper response.

The Association's long-term goal is to ensure that in the face of a cardiac emergency, anyone, anywhere, is prepared and empowered to perform CPR. To learn CPR and join the Nation of Lifesavers, visit heart.org/nation. Additional resources include the 2025 CPR Guidelines Highlights and the heartpowered.org/cerps grassroots network. For a quick learning option, take 90 seconds to learn how to save a life at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.