Hands-Only CPR event prepares travelers and employees for cardiac emergencies
CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 26, 2026 — As summer travel ramps up across the region, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to host a Hands-Only CPR training event to equip travelers, employees and airport partners with lifesaving skills. The Hands-Only CPR event will take place on Tuesday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to all passengers, airport employees and vendors.
According to Chris Poore, public affairs manager for Charlotte Douglas International Airport, CLT typically sees between 1 million and 1.5 million arriving and departing passengers during peak holiday travel periods, underscoring the importance of ongoing safety preparedness during one of the airport’s busiest seasons.
“Every second matters during a cardiac emergency,” said Allison Nelson, community impact vice president of the American Heart Association – Greater Charlotte. “When someone experiences cardiac arrest, immediate CPR can double or even triple their chance of survival, giving them critical time until first responders arrive.”
“CLT prioritizes safety by placing AEDs throughout the airport to help provide a quick response in the event of a cardiac emergency,” said Erick Hall, airport operations center manager at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. “We’re committed to providing a safe environment for our passengers and employees and ensuring these lifesaving tools are easily accessible is an important part of that effort.”
In collaboration with MEDIC (Mecklenburg EMS Agency), attendees of the Hands-Only CPR event will have the opportunity to learn and practice Hands-Only CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use through live demonstrations and hands-on instruction.
Participants will learn to:
• Recognize the signs of cardiac arrest
• Call 911 quickly and effectively
• Perform chest compressions with confidence
• Use an AED in an emergency
Stronger Outcomes at CLT Highlight the Importance of Preparedness
Cardiac emergencies, while unpredictable, are not uncommon in high-traffic public spaces like airports. According to MEDIC Mecklenburg EMS Agency, between March 1, 2010, and July 30, 2025:
• 180 cardiac arrest incidents were reported
• 131 incidents occurred on airport property
• 49 occurred on aircrafts
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is also seeing better outcomes thanks to strong emergency response systems and bystander readiness.
“Airports are unique environments where preparedness saves lives,” said Lester Oliva, public information specialist/paramedic with MEDIC. “We consistently see a higher rate of bystander intervention here, and that makes a critical difference. CLT’s survival rate is approximately 60%, significantly higher than the national average of about 32%. Bystanders at the airport are more likely to perform CPR compared to the broader community.”
Research supported by the American Heart Association shows that cardiac arrest survival rates are higher in airport settings compared to national averages, largely due to quick access to trained responders and AEDs.
Building a Nation of Lifesavers
With more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occurring outside of hospitals each year in the United States, immediate action by bystanders remains a critical link in the chain of survival. The American Heart Association reports that CPR, especially when performed right away, can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. [cpr.heart.org]
The American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ movement aims to double survival rates by empowering more people to act confidently in emergencies.
“This event is about making saving a life simple,” added Nelson. “Anyone can learn Hands-Only CPR, and anyone can be a part of the Nation of Lifesavers. To learn more or join the movement, visit heart.org/nationoflifesavers.”
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Star Connor, MARCOM Director, American Heart Association – Greater Charlotte, star.connor@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
