The American Heart Association urges Southern New Englanders to learn life-saving skill of Hands-Only CPR this October 16th
Providence, Rhode Island, October 16th, 2024 — The Southern New England community is coming together in a powerful way through the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, uniting to save lives on World Restart a Heart Day. Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die[1]. One key reason is that less than half of all cardiac arrest victims receive CPR from bystanders before professional help arrives[2].
To change this, the American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, is working with Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts Heart Walk teams to inspire lifesaving action on World Restart a Heart Day, observed each year on October 16. On this day of action, Southern New England American Heart Association is encouraging Southern New Englanders to learn the life-saving skill of Hands-Only CPR.
“Through the Heart Walk, we have the power to inspire change and save lives,” said Gretta Jacobs, Southern New England Heart Walk Director. “Our goal is to equip every Heart Walk participant and supporter with the skills they need to respond confidently in a cardiac emergency. Together, we can meet this moment and build a community of lifesavers, one step at a time.”
The Heart Walk is a year-round campaign that not only raises critical funds for heart and brain research. Through community initiatives, the Heart Walk empowers participants to confidently step up in cardiac emergencies, ensuring at least one person is every household is prepared to act. This year’s efforts will culminate in a community-wide celebration with a tentative date of June 7th, 2025, where companies, families and individuals from across Southern New England will unite, walking together in their shared commitment to saving lives. Register to participate by visiting this link.
All registered Heart Walk participants can learn Hands-Only CPR, which involves chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth breaths. This technique is scientifically proven to be just as effective in the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest for teens and adults[3]. If someone collapses, bystanders should immediately call emergency services and begin chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute, pushing at least two inches deep.
“Unfortunately, rare and unexpected events happen. And even more unfortunately, sometimes we do not pass on the learnings that result from those events. In other words, because of the private nature of some issues, awareness does not spread; awareness that may help someone else. It is important to share experiences, particularly when those experiences can provide others with life-saving preparedness. Passing it on may help save someone’s life, someone you love,” said 2025 Southern New England Heart Walk Chairperson David Pellegrino, SVP, General Counsel & Chief Risk Officer at Navigant Credit Union.
The American Heart Association encourages everyone to take just 90 seconds to learn how to save a life by visiting www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.
To learn more about the Southern New England Heart Walk and how to get involved, visit heart.org/sneheartwalk.
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, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
[1] Association of Bystander and First‐Responder Efforts and Outcomes According to Sex: Results From the North Carolina
[2] Association of Bystander and First‐Responder Efforts and Outcomes According to Sex: Results From the North Carolina
[3] https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/CPR-Files/Courses-and-Kits/Hands-Only-CPR/Hands-Only-CPR-Study.pdf?sc_lang=en