New survey findings from the American Heart Association reveal 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 bystander CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival according to the 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care published in Circulation.
The association's "You Are the First Responder Until Help Arrives" campaign, launching during Heart Month 2026, aims to counter this myth by emphasizing that no medical credentials are needed to save a life. Currently, bystanders step in with CPR only about 41% of the time, according to data from the 2024 CARES Annual Report available at mycares.net. With more than 350,000 cardiac arrests happening outside of hospitals annually in the United States, and approximately 90% proving fatal according to the 2026 Heart disease and stroke statistics report in Circulation, improving bystander response rates is critical.
"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., volunteer president of the American Heart Association. The procedure 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. If an automated external defibrillator is available, users should turn it on and follow voice prompts.
The association notes that hesitation affects some groups disproportionately, with women and Black adults less likely to receive CPR. Barriers include concerns about doing it incorrectly, fear of legal ramifications, worries about inappropriate contact, and the persistent belief that special training is required. This perception is reportedly more common in historically excluded communities.
Practical examples demonstrate the life-saving potential of basic CPR knowledge. Kristen Walenga of Frankfort, Illinois survived sudden cardiac arrest when her 15-year-old son Eddie performed chest compressions after learning CPR through the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge program in middle school. The association encourages learning through various flexible options, including watching instructional videos or taking classes that can be found at heart.org/nation.
Organizations are urged to develop cardiac emergency response plans, host CPR awareness activities, and secure AEDs. The "Nation of Lifesavers" initiative, sponsored nationally by Walgreens, aims to double survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030 by turning more bystanders into immediate responders.
