During day two of the NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, the American Heart Association, in collaboration with the National Football League, Damar Hamlin's Chasing M's Foundation, and Doctor Mike, taught 1,293 people Hands-Only CPR in one hour, earning a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title. This record-breaking event expands the Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double the survival of sudden cardiac arrest by 2030 through CPR education and training.
More than half of people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not receive CPR before emergency responders arrive. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival, according to Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. "This record-setting moment with our incredible collaborators is about more than a number - it represents nearly 1,300 people who are now prepared to step in and help save a life," Brown said.
Cardiac arrest remains a leading cause of death in the United States, affecting 350,000 people every year, with only 10% surviving. Hands-Only CPR takes as little as 90 seconds to learn, requires no formal training, and can double or triple survival chances. Participants joined the Nation of Lifesavers, a global movement launched in 2023 following the sudden cardiac arrest of NFL player Damar Hamlin during Monday Night Football.
"As my experience with cardiac arrest has shown, CPR really does save lives," said Hamlin, Buffalo Bills Safety and National Ambassador for the Nation of Lifesavers. "To see my hometown come together to set this record and learn this skill is incredibly meaningful."
The record-setting effort was inspired by Dr. Mike Varshavski, known as Doctor Mike, a family medicine physician with 30 million social media followers. "Breaking this record shows how quickly people can learn a lifesaving skill," said Doctor Mike. "Now these people know, the power is in their hands."
The collaboration between the American Heart Association and the NFL continues year-round through community-based CPR education and national advocacy. Anna Isaacson, NFL SVP of Social Responsibility, said, "We're thrilled to stand alongside the American Heart Association and the Chasing M's Foundation as we successfully set a world record, and, more importantly, equip thousands of people with the skills to make a lifesaving difference."
Nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests happen at home, making it critical for more people to know how to respond. If a teen or adult collapses, witnesses should call 9-1-1 and begin chest compressions at 100-120 beats per minute. For more information on learning Hands-Only CPR, visit heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR. To join the Nation of Lifesavers, visit heart.org/nation.
