Why Learn Hands-Only CPR?

Cardiac arrest – an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and disrupts the flow of blood to the brain, lungs, and other organs - is a leading cause of death. Each year, over 420,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States.

• When a person has a cardiac arrest, survival depends on immediately getting CPR from someone nearby.
• According to the American Heart Association, 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double, or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.
• Most Americans (70 percent) feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency because they don’t know how to administer CPR or they’re afraid of hurting the victim.

Be the Difference for Someone You Love

If you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of someone you love: a child, a spouse, a parent, or a friend.

• 80 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in private or residential settings.
• Unfortunately, only 41 percent of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest get the immediate help that they need before professional help arrives.
• Hands-Only CPR has been shown to be as effective as conventional CPR for sudden cardiac arrest at home, at work or in public. It can double or even triple a victim’s chance of survival.

How to Give Hands-Only CPR

If you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse, call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the classic disco song "Stayin' Alive." CPR can more than double a person's chances of survival, and "Stayin' Alive" has the right beat for Hands-Only CPR.

Music Can Save Lives

Hands-Only CPR has just two easy steps: If you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse, (1) Call 9-1-1; and (2) Push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the disco song “Stayin’ Alive.”

The AHA has collaborated with DJ Earworm to create a “Hands-Only CPR Mash-Up”: an uplifting, powerhouse mash-up that is at least 100 beats per minute - the rate you should perform chest compressions during CPR.

• 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.
• During CPR, you should push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the Bee Gees’ classic disco song “Stayin’ Alive” or the new Hands-Only CPR mash-up. Both songs are at least 100 beats per minute – the rate you should push on the chest during Hands-Only CPR.

Take 60 Seconds to Learn How to Save a Life

Watch the 60-second demo video and share it with the important people in your life. You can also find a CPR class near you.

The American Heart Association’s Hands-Only CPR campaign is supported by an educational grant from the WellPoint Foundation.

Note: The AHA still recommends CPR with compressions and breaths for infants and children and victims of drowning, drug overdose, or people who collapse due to breathing problems.

Watch Hands Only CPR in 2 Minutes