DALLAS, May 31, 2024  — Thousands of travelers that pass through DFW Airport are learning a lifesaving skill by using a training kiosk located inside one of the terminals. This kiosk allows passengers to learn the two simple steps of Hands-Only CPR should they witness a teen or adult suddenly collapse from cardiac arrest. Call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives. Bringing awareness during CPR Week, June 1st-7th, the Dallas Division of the American Heart Association is celebrating the Hands-Only CPR Training Kiosk as local progress toward the goal the Association has set to double the survival of cardiac arrest by 2030.

In 2023 alone, over 80 million travelers utilized DFW for domestic or international travel, demonstrating that an airport kiosk like this has significant potential to save lives. The survival of someone experiencing a cardiac arrest hinges on promptly receiving CPR from a nearby individual. If administered immediately, Hands-Only CPR can significantly increase a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival in the United States, where 70% of people report not feeling prepared to help. Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the United States and 90% of them are fatal, leaving only a 10% chance of survival. A survival rate the Association is focused on increasing through current initiatives.

The goal of this year’s CPR Week campaign is to generate awareness about the lifesaving skills of CPR, increase confidence and competence for those who have already learned CPR and increase their willingness to act in an emergency. The American Heart Association knows it will happen in homes and to loved ones in local communities. The campaign aims to meet people where they are in their CPR education journey, preparing them to “Be Ready” to act in a cardiac emergency, creating a Nation of Lifesavers.

“Together we can save lives,” says Jill Griffiths, SVP of Development and Community Health with the American Heart Association in North Texas. “The goal of our Nation of Lifesavers initiative is to turn bystanders into lifesavers, so that in the time of cardiac emergency anyone, anywhere is prepared and empowered to become a vital link in the chain of survival and provide CPR. This kiosk is one way we are changing the survival rates in our community and possibly across the world.”

Located inside Terminal E of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the CPR kiosk includes a training mannequin and interactive touchscreen offering feedback on the depth and rate of chest compressions and correct hand placement. Commercial Metals Company is recognized as the Dallas market Live Fierce, Be Relentless sponsor, and through their generosity and support it is now possible for thousands of travelers to learn or refresh their CPR skills.

"At CMC, we like to say, ‘it’s what’s inside that counts’,” said Jennifer Durbin, SVP, Chief Human Resources and Communications Officer at CMC, and the Association’s 2023 Dallas Go Red for Women Luncheon Chair Emeritus. “This applies to our products, which are often embedded in concrete, but it also applies to our values concerning people, which is why we strive to make a positive impact in our local communities. We know that CPR training can be a powerful tool to teach people in our community a lifesaving skill in just a few minutes. This year, CMC proudly donated to supply this CPR kiosk so that anyone in this high-traffic area can utilize it for education. We were proud our donation will positively impact others’ lives and we encourage everyone to get trained on CPR so that you, too, can make a difference in our local community,"

To date, the American Heart Association has placed more than 30 kiosks across the US, but this one in DFW airport was the first of its kind when it was originally placed in 2013. Since then, over 80,000 travelers passing through this terminal have visited the kiosk, and almost 50,000 walked away trained to save a life with their two hands. It has also returned to pre-COVID usage, with over 5,000 people being trained in Hands-Only CPR by this one kiosk last year. The Association reports it has multiple opportunities for similar CPR kiosks to be placed throughout North Texas and is planning upcoming mobile kiosk locations.

Everyone is encouraged to join the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers by learning CPR to transition from bystander to lifesaver. To locate a training kiosk, visit our map of current CPR training kiosk locations across the United States.

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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 ahead 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.orgFacebookX or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries:

Lindsey Lyons: lindsey.lyons@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

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