The American Heart Association San Diego and QuidelOrtho to turn bystanders into lifesavers through Hands-Only CPR awareness and education

SAN DIEGO, June 16, 2023 — Seven in 10 people in America say they feel powerless to act in the face of a cardiac emergency[1]. As a result, less than half of all people who need this lifesaving skill receive CPR from bystanders before professional help arrives[2]. To promote National CPR and AED Awareness, the American Heart Association and QuidelOrtho are urging everyone to “Be The Beat” and learn Hands-Only CPR.

More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year[3], according to the Association, which is working to increase the number of bystanders who use CPR in an emergency. More than 90% of people who experience a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital will not survive. The Association is the world’s leading voluntary organization dedicated to building healthier lives for all, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

“Through our science, brand, and grassroots footprint, the American Heart Association has the unique capacity and capability to lead with instruction in San Diego County,” said Jessica Newmyer, Executive Director of the American Heart Association, San Diego. “Our moment is here. Let’s meet it and build a nation of lifesavers.”

“As a leader in heart health diagnostics, QuidelOrtho understands the need for speed in a cardiac emergency,” said Douglas Bryant, President and CEO of QuidelOrtho Corporation. “With just a few minutes of training in Hands-Only CPR, anyone can be prepared to be a lifesaving first responder during those critical minutes before Emergency Medical Technicians arrive.  So, we join the Heart Association in urging everyone to ‘Be the Beat’ – all it takes is a song in your head and the hands of a hero.”

According to the American Heart Association, people feel more confident performing Hands-Only CPR and are more likely to remember the correct rate when trained to the beat of a familiar song. All songs in our 'Don't Drop the Beat' playlist are between 100 - 120 beats per minute, the same rate at which rescuers should perform compressions when administering CPR. The beat of any of several songs including “Stayin’ Alive,” by the Bee Gees, “Crazy in Love,” by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z, “Hips Don’t Lie,” by Shakira” or “Walk the Line,” by Johnny Cash can “Be the Beat” to save a life.

Hands-Only CPR is chest compression only CPR.  Science has shown that following a witnessed cardiac arrest of a teen or an adult, compression-only CPR can be equally effective in the first few minutes of emergency response. If a teen or adult suddenly collapses, witnesses should immediately call emergency services and begin chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute and a depth of at least two inches. The Association encourages everyone, regardless of where they live, to take 90 seconds to learn how to save a life now at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.

Additional Resources: 

• Bystander CPR | Bystander CPR Infographic (PDF) 
• Hands-Only CPR Resources
• Hands-Only CPR vs CPR with Breaths 
• Women and CPR
• Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
• Take 90 seconds to learn how to save a life at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR. 
• Download free materials to help celebrate CPR and AED Awareness Week at www.heart.org/CPRWeek.

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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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About QuidelOrtho Corporation

QuidelOrtho Corporation (Nasdaq: QDEL) is a world leader in in vitro diagnostics, developing and manufacturing intelligent solutions that transform data into understanding and action for more people in more places every day. 

Offering industry-leading expertise in immunoassay and molecular testing, clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine, bringing fast, accurate and reliable diagnostics when and where they are needed – from home to hospital, lab to clinic. So that patients, clinicians and health officials can spot trends sooner, respond quicker and chart the course ahead with accuracy and confidence.

Building upon its 80-year legacy of groundbreaking innovation, QuidelOrtho continues to partner with customers across the healthcare continuum and around the globe to forge a new diagnostic frontier. One where insights and solutions know no bounds, expertise seamlessly connects and a more informed path is illuminated for each of us.

QuidelOrtho is transforming the power of diagnostics into a healthier future for all.

For Media Inquiries:  

For AHA:

Erika Cervantes-Aarons: 319-573-6949, Erika.Cervantes-Aaro@heart.org

For QuidelOrtho: media@quidelortho.com