The American Heart Association (AHA) is bringing its Nation of Lifesavers Mobile CPR unit to the Dow Championship, an LPGA golf event, to offer Hands-Only CPR training to fans. The initiative, held in Midland, Michigan, aims to address the low survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, where most victims do not receive immediate CPR, according to AHA data.
Qualified CPR trainers will be on-site throughout tournament days to teach participants the correct rate and depth of chest compressions. The AHA emphasizes that Hands-Only CPR, which involves calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest, can be just as effective as traditional CPR in the first few minutes of an emergency. The goal is to empower bystanders to act confidently, as immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival.
The training is part of the AHA's Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. The AHA, the LPGA, and Dow, a global materials science leader, are collaborating to expand CPR awareness at major sporting events. This marks the latest in a series of activations at high-profile events, including the Super Bowl, the NFL Draft, and the NBA All-Star Game, as well as upcoming appearances at FIFA Fan Festival sites in multiple U.S. cities.
During the Dow Championship week, Dow's SOAR Summit will feature a fireside chat on resilience and recovery after cardiac events. NFL Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders, NWSL player Savy King, and AHA CEO Nancy Brown will share personal stories and encourage golf fans to join the Nation of Lifesavers. Their message underscores the critical importance of CPR training and being prepared to respond in an emergency.
“Every second counts when a cardiac arrest occurs, and far too often help doesn’t arrive in time because bystanders don’t feel prepared to act,” said Nancy Brown, AHA CEO. “We’re grateful to work with Dow and the LPGA to bring this lifesaving education directly to the community and to amplify the powerful voices of survivors and advocates who remind us that learning CPR truly can mean the difference between life and death.”
Jim Fitterling, chair and CEO of Dow and co-chairperson of the AHA CEO Roundtable, added, “Hosting the Nation of Lifesavers CPR activation at the Dow Championship and convening leaders and athletes at our SOAR Summit reflects our belief in the power of connection, education and action. By bringing people together, we can help ensure more individuals are prepared to respond in an emergency and create lasting impact far beyond tournament week.”
The AHA is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science and publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR. According to the AHA, 9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital die, often because they do not receive immediate CPR. The organization is committed to equitable health in all communities and has been a leading health information source for over 100 years. More information about joining the Nation of Lifesavers is available at heart.org/nation.
This initiative highlights the potential impact of integrating CPR training into popular sports events, reaching large audiences and equipping them with skills that can save lives. For golf fans and attendees, the opportunity to learn Hands-Only CPR in a few minutes could make a critical difference in their communities.
