SEATTLE, May 30, 2024 — Despite strides in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, consumer research from the American Heart Association reveals only 1 in 4 Asian American individuals are confident they could correctly perform Hands-Only CPR, compared with a comparable confidence rate of more 1/3 of the general population. The same survey showed nearly 70% of Asian American adults are hesitant to perform Hands-Only CPR because they are worried they will hurt the person who has suffered a cardiac arrest. Among the general population, 57% still express this fear.
To build CPR skills, knowledge, and confidence and close these gaps, the American Heart Association has launched the “Today You Were Ready” nationwide awareness campaign aimed at empowering Asian American communities to learn Hands-Only CPR and be ready to save a life. It includes media and community outreach to emphasize the importance of being prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency. The effort is part of the overarching American Heart Association's Nation of LifesaversTM movement, which is focused on turning bystanders into lifesavers and doubling survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by 2030.
“Unless we share these critical public health messages, Asian American Pacific Islander communities and other historically excluded groups will remain more likely to die of sudden cardiac arrest than other groups,” said cardiac arrest survivor Albert Tsai, who also serves as the vice president of Community Impact for the American Heart Association in the Puget Sound. “I was very fortunate that two bystanders gave me CPR when I collapsed. Too many other people aren’t so lucky. The ’Today You Were Ready’ campaign will provide the AAPI communities with the tools and resources they need to learn and perform Hands-Only CPR.”
Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time, and without quick bystander CPR, it is typically fatal. In Albert Tsai’s case, he had just left a parking garage when his heart stopped and he collapsed. Luckily, a student teacher and the principal from a nearby school noticed him on the sidewalk and rushed over to give chest compressions while a third person called 911.
According to research in the Journal of the American Heart Association, about 72% of cardiac arrests that occur outside of a hospital happen at home. That means that if you are called on to perform CPR, it will likely be to save the life of someone you love. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an emergency response that can help save a person’s life if their breathing or heart stops. At the forefront of resuscitation science, education, and training, the American Heart Association is the worldwide leader and publisher of the official scientific guidelines for CPR.
By showcasing the two easy steps to help save a life, the Association aims to change and break through the hesitancy barrier. Hands-Only CPR is CPR without breaths. It is for teens and adults only and is performed in two steps: 1) Call 911 and 2) push hard and fast in the center of the chest to a beat of 100- 120 beats per minute.
“By inspiring the Asian American Pacific Islander community to learn Hands-Only CPR, we can improve health outcomes for Asian Americans and their loved ones, especially those suffering cardiac arrest,” said Tsai.
In the United States, the Asian American Pacific Islander communities and other people of underrepresented populations are at a higher risk of poor outcomes from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest than the general population, in part due to longstanding structural racism and social policies that have limited access to quality education and health care.[1][2]
Survey findings from the Association show that historically excluded populations are more likely to incorrectly believe that special training and certification are required to perform Hands-Only CPR on an adult or teen and more likely to be hesitant to perform the skill for fear of causing injury.[3] These misperceptions contribute to poor survival rates (less than 10%) from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, which affects more than 350,000 Americans annually.[4]
To learn more about the campaign or to watch a Hands-Only CPR training video in English, Mandarin and Tagalog, visit heart.org/nation.
Additional Resources:
- Understanding the Importance of the Lay Responder Experience in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association Difference in Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
- Learn Hands-Only CPR/use an AED (Video) (English, Spanish, Mandarin)
- AHA health information: Bystander CPR
- AHA health information: Bystander CPR Infographic
- AHA health information: Hands-Only CPR Resources
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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 into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In Washington find us at heart.org/Washington, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Valerie Koch, Valerie.koch@heart.org
Francesca Minas, Francesca.minas@heart.org
For Public Inquiries:
800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721), heart.org and stroke.org
[1] Bystander CPR less common in Hispanic neighborhoods | American Heart Association (Blewer, et al. Circulation. 2020;141:34–41)
[2] Social Determinants of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Asian American Subgroups | Journal of the American Heart Association (ahajournals.org)
[3] Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association | Circulation (ahajournals.org)
[4] American Heart Association Heart and Stroke Stat update 2023 (Tsao et al, Circulation. 2023;147: e93–e621) Please update to 2024 heart disease and Stroke Stats reference