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 from cardiac arrest.
The American Heart Association's 2026 Heart Month campaign, "You Are the First Responder Until Help Arrives," directly addresses this myth by emphasizing that no medical credentials are needed to save a life. With more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occurring outside hospitals annually in the United States, and approximately 90% proving fatal, the organization stresses that basic knowledge and willingness to act are what matter most. Currently, bystanders step in with CPR only about 41% of the time.
"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., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. "Here's what matters - if a teen or adult collapses: call 911, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Your hands can keep blood flowing until professionals arrive."
The Hands-Only CPR technique involves two simple steps: calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100–120 beats per minute, roughly the tempo of songs like "Stayin' Alive" or "Uptown Funk." If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, individuals should turn it on and follow the voice prompts. The association notes that for infants and children, CPR must include breaths.
Real-world examples demonstrate the technique's effectiveness. Kristen Walenga of Frankfort, Illinois, survived sudden cardiac arrest when her 15-year-old son Eddie performed CPR he learned through the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge program. This case underscores how preparation within families and communities can directly save lives, as most cardiac arrests occur at home where loved ones may be the only available responders.
The association identifies specific barriers that prevent people from acting, including concerns about doing it "wrong," fear of legal ramifications, worries about inappropriate contact, and the persistent belief that special training is required. These barriers disproportionately affect certain groups, with women and Black adults less likely to receive CPR from bystanders. The perception that special training is necessary is even more common in historically excluded communities.
To combat these barriers, the American Heart Association offers multiple learning pathways. Individuals can watch instructional videos to learn the basics, take classes to build confidence and learn additional skills like using an AED, or advocate for cardiac emergency response plans in their schools, workplaces, faith communities, or gyms. The organization's "Nation of Lifesavers" initiative, sponsored nationally by Walgreens, aims to turn more bystanders into lifesavers and double survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030.
"CPR is a civic duty. Heroism is not limited to uniforms, it is everyday people stepping up for others," Rosen emphasized. "Strong communities are built by preparedness. Whether you're at home, the gym, or a child's soccer game, cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, and you will most likely be saving the life of someone you know and love."
The survey findings and corresponding campaign highlight a critical gap between public perception and medical reality. As research published in Circulation confirms the life-saving potential of immediate CPR, addressing the training myth becomes increasingly urgent for improving national cardiac arrest survival rates.
