The American Heart Association and the National Football League, in collaboration with Damar Hamlin's Chasing M's foundation and social media physician Doctor Mike, will attempt to set the Guinness World Records title for Most people to complete CPR training in one hour. The event aims to train 4,000 individuals in Hands-Only CPR during a single hour on Friday, April 24, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as part of the NFL Draft experience. Registration for the free training is available at https://heart.org/NFLDraft.
This initiative addresses a critical public health challenge: more than half of people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not receive immediate CPR, yet such intervention can double or triple survival chances. Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, stated that bringing thousands together at the NFL Draft represents a shared commitment to building healthier, safer communities by equipping individuals with confidence and skills to act in emergencies.
The effort builds upon the Nation of Lifesavers movement launched by the American Heart Association in 2023 following the on-field cardiac arrest of NFL player Damar Hamlin. Hamlin, who serves as National Ambassador for the initiative, emphasized that CPR saves lives and described the Pittsburgh event as a full-circle moment. He noted the importance of preparing communities, encouraging youth activity, and prioritizing health and lifesaving skills.
Medical advocate Doctor Mike, whose inspiration helped seed the record attempt, highlighted the simplicity of Hands-Only CPR, which can be learned in as little as 90 seconds without formal training. He emphasized that laypeople can provide crucial help before professional medical assistance arrives.
The collaboration extends beyond the draft event. Through the NFL Foundation, each team receives CPR grants to expand training and automated external defibrillator access in local communities. Since 2023, grants have supported Hands-Only CPR training, credentialing, and placement of CPR kits in schools and youth sports programs. The American Heart Association has partnered with more than half of NFL teams to educate players, staff, coaches, and families.
Anna Isaacson, NFL SVP of Social Responsibility, stated the league's commitment to building safer communities by providing knowledge and confidence to act in medical emergencies. Hands-Only CPR education is also integrated into NFL PLAY 60 youth wellness efforts through programs like the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge.
As a founding member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition established by the NFL, the American Heart Association advocates for evidence-based policies to prevent fatal cardiac outcomes among high school students. The association works to secure legislation in all 50 states for cardiac emergency response plans in public schools and athletic programs.
With nearly three out of four out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring in homes, bystander CPR knowledge is vital. The American Heart Association recommends that witnesses to a teen or adult collapse immediately call 9-1-1 and begin chest compressions at 100-120 beats per minute. Additional resources are available at https://www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.
