SEATTLE, June 3, 2024 — Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), especially if performed immediately, can double or triple survival rates.[1] That is why the American Heart Association urges at least one person in each household to learn CPR. The Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service, will also broaden efforts to drive CPR education in Puget Sound through the annual Heart and Stroke Walk campaign, its largest community facing initiative.
“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time. It happened to me and thankfully my wife sprung into action to save my life with CPR,” said J. Chad Brown, board member, American Heart Association Puget Sound. Brown collapsed while he was at home in 2016 and his wife gave chest compressions until paramedics arrived and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restart his heart. “There are countless lives in Washington that could be saved if bystanders were confident and ready to perform CPR.”
During CPR and AED Awareness Week, June 1-7, the American Heart Association invites the community to join the Nation of Lifesavers™ by learning CPR. families can:
- Take an online CPR course
- Learn and practice with a CPR Anytime® Training Kit
- Watch a 60-second video to learn Hands-Only CPR
- Find a Heartsaver™ certification course near them or
- Sign up for the Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk by joining a company team or starting a community team. The Heart and Stroke Walk will be held on September 21 in Seattle and September 28 in Tacoma.
The expansion of CPR education to Heart and Stroke Walk participants will empower companies in Puget Sound to become champions of CPR. Through fundraising, community education and corporate engagement, the Heart and Stroke Walk aims to enhance CPR training accessibility, bolster bystander preparedness, increase funding for vital research, and ultimately, save lives.
Implemented in over 220 cities nationwide, the year-round Heart and Stroke Walk campaign engages companies to improve health and well-being of employees while driving efforts to fight against cardiovascular diseases, the no. 1 killer in the country. Now, participating companies not only contribute to the fight against heart disease and stroke but also will help drive the organization-wide Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, the Association’s most recent commitment to CPR with the declaration to double survival rates of cardiac arrest by 2030.
For more information about CPR and the Nation of Lifesavers, visit heart.org/nation. To register to join the American Heart Association for the Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk events in Seattle on September 21 and in Tacoma on September 28, visit PugetSoundHeartWalk.org.
# # #
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.org, 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: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org