World Restart a Heart Day shines light on importance of CPR

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, 2026 — What began in 2012 as a campaign to increase public awareness about the importance of early Hands-Only CPR and defibrillation during a cardiac emergency has grown into an international event – and the message around World Restart a Heart Day remains the same.

It’s truly a matter of life or death.

This year’s World Restart a Heart Day falls on Friday, Oct. 16, with a global initiative aimed at raising awareness around CPR and improving survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest.

“The vast majority of cardiac arrests occur out in the community where bystander CPR/AED are often the first line of treatment,” Milwaukee American Heart Association Board President and Chief Medical Officer at ProHealth Care Dr. Art Coffey said. “Minutes equal muscle, and the quicker that circulation can be restored, the lower the level of myocardial injury.”

Established by the European Resuscitation Council, World Restart a Heart Day has expanded internationally, with countries around the world recognizing the importance of empowering individuals with life-saving skills.”

Every year, 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside the hospital, and of those, 90% die, in part because they do not receive CPR more than half the time, according to the American Heart Association, a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival, according to the Association.

“Most people think they can call 911 and everything will be OK,” American Heart Association Certified CPR Instructor Connie Schneider said. “Think about those minutes sitting there with a still body not responding, waiting for EMS to arrive. It feels like it takes forever.

“We want everyone to do all they can versus just sitting there not knowing what to do. If you have two hands, you can save a life, and it only takes seconds to take life-saving action. Everyone deserves a chance, and everyone can learn what to do.”

Supporting legislation

The American Heart Association continues its efforts to ensure that all schools in Wisconsin are prepared to respond if someone suffers a cardiac arrest during the school day or at an after-school event with a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan in place.

That plan – also known as a CERP – is a written document that establishes specific steps to reduce death by cardiac arrest, according to www.heart.org/wisconsincerp. At a minimum, the Heart Association states that every CERP should include the following core elements:

• Establish a response team trained in CPR and AED use
• Educate all staff on recognizing cardiac arrest and how to active the response team
• Establish AED placement throughout the campus for quick retrieval and develop routine maintenance
• Include at least annual practice drills, similar to fire drills
• Integrate the school’s plan with local first responders
• Be reviewed at least annually, with post-event evaluation and review

“Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, at any time and to anyone—students sitting in class, teachers walking down the hallway, and parents, grandparents and other community members gathering at the school for a football game or school play,” the website states.

“Schools are the heart of our communities, and it’s important they plan and prepare for cardiac emergencies that occur on school campuses. Preparation is the key to saving lives.”

Seeking to double survival rate

The goal of the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers initiative is to double the survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030 – and to do that, it’s imperative that anyone, anywhere is prepared and empowered to become a vital link in the chain of survival and provide CPR.

Hands-only CPR requires just two steps: call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100 to 120 beats per minute. Research shows that people as young as 9 years old can learn hands-only CPR.

“We need to make a movement, a life-saving mission, nominate one another to learn CPR publicly, make it a required annual gym class lesson or requirement when people take their driver’s license test,” Schneider said. “You should know CPR.

“Everyone should know it, but not everyone will take the time to learn it and practice. … learn hands-only and practice it on an annual basis.”

Coffey urged everyone to take that next step and learn the skill.

“Go the (American Heart Association) for training, or at the minimum, watch a YouTube video on bystander CPR/AED training,” he said.

The Nation of Lifesavers initiative also strives to provide people with the confidence to perform CPR during a cardiac event. In one consumer survey, 70% of respondents said they weren’t confident they could perform CPR if needed.

Only about 46% of people who suffer cardiac arrest receive CPR from a bystander, according to the Association, which added that in a 2017 study, it was found that only 39% of women in cardiac arrest received bystander CPR, compared to 45% of men.

That same study showed that men’s odds of surviving were 23% higher than women.

Calls to Action

The American Heart Association encourages everyone to make World Restart a Heart Day a day of action by joining the Nation of Lifesavers. You can:

• Learn CPR by watching a short video or by taking a CPR class.
• Share your CPR story and apply to be a part of the 2027 Nation of Lifesavers Class.
• Advocate for your community to develop a CERP or cardiac emergency response plan.
• Support a high school or university Heart Club participating in the Nation of Lifesavers Scavenger Hunt.
• Share CPR resources with your family, workplace and community and help make lifesaving action a social norm.
• Nominate someone who has provided CPR for an American Heart Association Heartsaver Hero Award.

For more, visit Heart.org.

Keywords: CPR, hands-only, Restart a Heart Day

About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments as we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.