On April 24, 2026, during the second day of the NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, the American Heart Association taught 1,293 people Hands-Only CPR in one hour, earning a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title. This event was part of the Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by 2030 through CPR education and training. The effort was led by the American Heart Association alongside the National Football League, Damar Hamlin's Chasing M's Foundation, and Doctor Mike, the most followed doctor on social media.
Cardiac arrest remains a leading cause of death in the United States, affecting 350,000 people annually, with only 10% surviving. More than half of cardiac arrests outside hospitals do not receive CPR before emergency responders arrive, creating a critical survival gap. Hands-Only CPR, which involves chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute, can double or triple survival chances and takes only 90 seconds to learn. Immediate CPR is crucial, as nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests occur at home.
"Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival," said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. "This record-setting moment with our incredible collaborators is about more than a number - it represents nearly 1,300 people who are now prepared to step in and help save a life. That's how we build a Nation of Lifesavers."
Damar Hamlin, whose cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game in 2023 inspired the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, emphasized the importance of the record. "As my experience with cardiac arrest has shown, CPR really does save lives," said Hamlin, who serves as National Ambassador for the movement. "To see my hometown come together to set this record and learn this skill is incredibly meaningful."
Dr. Mike Varshavski, known as Doctor Mike, highlighted the simplicity and impact of the skill. "Breaking this record shows how quickly people can learn a lifesaving skill," he said. "In just one hour, nearly 1,300 people learned what the American Heart Association and I say every day, which is 'chest compressions, chest compressions, chest compressions.'"
The collaboration between the American Heart Association and the NFL continues year-round through community-based CPR education and youth health programs. "Today's record reflects what's possible when we come together around a shared purpose," said Anna Isaacson, NFL SVP of Social Responsibility. "We're thrilled to stand alongside the American Heart Association and the Chasing M's Foundation as we successfully set a world record."
For those who witness a teen or adult collapse, the recommended response is to call 9-1-1 and begin chest compressions. Hands-Only CPR is for adults, while infants and children require traditional CPR with breaths. To learn more or join the Nation of Lifesavers, visit www.heart.org/nation or take 90 seconds to learn Hands-Only CPR at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.
