SEATTLE, Jan. 30, 2025 — Carla McCubbin was out on a walk with her family while they were vacationing on Hat Island when her heart suddenly stopped. McCubbin’s mother-in-law sprang into action and began CPR. Due to their remote island location, it took 20 minutes for volunteer paramedics to arrive on the scene with a defibrillator and once they did, the device and CPR saved her life. February is American Heart Month and the American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, alongside McCubbin is urging Washingtonians to learn the lifesaving skill of CPR.
More than 350,000 people experience cardiac arrests outside of a hospital every year. Unfortunately, 90% do not survive. If performed immediately, CPR can double or even triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. “I am living proof that CPR and AEDs save lives,” said McCubbin. “Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere which is why it is a critical life skill that everyone should know.”
Joining the Nation of Lifesavers, an American Heart Association initiative focused on doubling the survival rate of cardiac arrest by 2030, is easier than ever with many CPR learning options available.
In Washington, future lifesavers can:
- Take an online CPR course
- Learn and practice with a CPR Anytime Kit
- Watch a 90-second video to learn Hands-Only CPR
- Find a Heartsaver™ certification course near you
“Use American Heart Month as inspiration to take some time and familiarize yourself with CPR,” said McCubbin. “If you are ever called on to perform CPR in an emergency, I think you’ll agree it’s time well spent.” For more information on how to join the Nation of Lifesavers during American Heart Month this February, visit heart.org/nation.
Additional Resources:
- Downloadable B-roll, photos and infographics are available on the right column of this release link.
- Hands-Only CPR Resources
- Hands-Only CPR vs CPR with Breaths
- Women and CPR
- Take 90 seconds to learn how to save a life at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.
- Read in Spanish
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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. In Washington, visit heart.org/Washington, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.
Media Contacts:
Francesca Minas, Francesca.minas@heart.org
Valerie Koch, Valerie.koch@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org