The American Heart Association, the National Football League, Damar Hamlin's Chasing M's foundation, and Doctor Mike will attempt to set a Guinness World Records title for the most people to complete CPR training in one hour. The event is scheduled for Friday, April 24, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh during the NFL Draft. The goal is to train 4,000 individuals in Hands-Only CPR, a skill that can double or triple a person's chance of survival after cardiac arrest.
"Every second matters when someone experiences cardiac arrest and knowing how to perform CPR can be the difference between life and death," said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. "By bringing thousands of people together at the NFL Draft, we're teaming up with the league, Damar Hamlin and Doctor Mike to make history and equip individuals with the confidence and skills to act when it matters most."
Participants will join the Nation of Lifesavers, a movement launched in 2023 after Hamlin's cardiac arrest during Monday Night Football. Hamlin, a Buffalo Bills safety and National Ambassador for the Nation of Lifesavers, emphasized the personal significance: "Our world record attempt during the NFL Draft Experience in my hometown of Pittsburgh is a full-circle moment for me."
More than 90% of people who experience sudden cardiac arrest outside a hospital without immediate CPR do not survive, yet learning Hands-Only CPR takes as little as 90 seconds. Doctor Mike, a longtime volunteer with the Association, noted, "It's always been a dream of mine to set a world record for CPR training. This one-hour record emphasizes how quick and simple it can be for laypeople to learn a life-saving skill."
The partnership between the American Heart Association and the NFL extends year-round. Through the NFL Foundation, teams receive grants for CPR training and AED access. Since 2023, grants have supported Hands-Only CPR training and equipment placement in schools and youth sports. "We're thrilled to stand alongside the American Heart Association and the Chasing M's Foundation as we aim to set a world record," said Anna Isaacson, NFL SVP of Social Responsibility.
Hands-Only CPR education is also part of NFL PLAY 60 youth health efforts. Students learn to recognize cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1, and perform chest compressions. The American Heart Association is also leading advocacy for cardiac emergency response plans in schools through the Smart Heart Sports Coalition.
With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests occurring at home, knowing CPR is critical. Witnesses should call 9-1-1 and begin chest compressions at 100-120 beats per minute. For more information, visit www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR or www.heart.org/nation.
