World Restart a Heart Day: Two Hands Can Save a Life
Imagine walking through a crowded park when suddenly, someone collapses nearby, their heart stopping without warning. As panic spreads, a bystander rushes forward, kneels beside them, and begins CPR—two hands pressing rhythmically on their chest. This is the life-saving power World Restart a Heart Day celebrates each year, reminding us through its tagline, “Two Hands Can Save a Life,” that anyone, with the right skills, can be the difference between life and death in an emergency.
On October 16, 2024, communities worldwide will unite to celebrate World Restart a Heart Day (WRAH), when countries worldwide come together to raise awareness about cardiac arrest and the importance of bystander CPR and using an AED to save lives. Launched in 2018, the WRAH initiative was organized by the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and supported by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). Seven constituent councils of ILCOR, on which the American Heart Association (AHA) represents the United States, support this global initiative to increase awareness about the importance of bystander CPR and increase actual bystander CPR rates worldwide. The initiative's motto is "All citizens of the world can save a life."
Understanding the Importance of CPR
Cardiac arrest can occur without warning, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Sudden cardiac arrest ranks as the third leading cause of death in industrialized nations, claiming over 700,000 lives each year in Europe and the United States. Following cardiac arrest, the brain can survive for 3 to 5 minutes, which is often the minimum response time for emergency medical services to arrive. The survival rate of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests is alarmingly low—only about 10% of people survive. However, immediate intervention can significantly improve these odds. When CPR is administered within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest, it can double or even triple a person's chances of survival. If you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely try to save the life of someone you love: a child, a spouse, a parent, or a friend.
The Critical Role of Bystander Intervention
The most effective way to improve survival rates is for bystanders to initiate early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Performing bystander CPR increases survival chances by two to four times—more than any intervention provided by emergency responders or hospital staff. Hands-Only CPR is as effective as conventional CPR in the first few minutes after a cardiac arrest. Hands-only CPR has just two easy steps, performed in this order;
Call 911 – if you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse.
Push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of a familiar song that has 100 to 120 beats per minute. *
Here are just some songs that fall into this 100 to 120 beats per minute range. Can’t find a favorite on our list? Do a quick Google search; there are a plethora of CPR-friendly playlists out there. Be ready to take action should the unfortunate occasion arise, as “every minute counts.”
"Stayin' Alive" - Bee Gees
"Baby Shark" - Pinkfong
"Dancing Queen" - ABBA
"Cecilia" - Simon & Garfunkel
"Hard To Handle" - The Black Crowes
"Sweet Home Alabama" - Lynyrd Skynyrd
"Rock Your Body" - Justin Timberlake
"I Will Survive" - Gloria Gaynor
"MMMBop" - Single Version. Hanson
"Gives You Hell" - The All-American Rejects
"History of Rap" - Jimmy Fallon, Justin Timberlake
"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" - Cyndi Lauper
"Crazy in Love" - Beyonce, Jay Z
"Just Dance" - Lady Gaga, Colby O’Donis
"Something Just Like This" - The Chainsmokers, Coldplay
"Rumour Has It" - Adele
"Sorry" - Justin Bieber
"Rock This Town" - Stray Cats
"Fly" - Sugar Ray
"Hips Don’t Lie" - Shakira
"Work It" - Missy Elliott
"What’s Going On" - Marvin Gaye
"Suddenly I See" - KT Tunstall
"Crazy" - Gnarls Barkley
"Spirit In the Sky" - Norman Greenbaum
"Man in the Mirror" - Michael Jackson
"One Week" - Barenaked Ladies
"Another Brick in the Wall" - Pink Floyd
The Role of Schools in CPR Education
Another focal point of World Restart a Heart Day is promoting CPR education in schools. Teaching students the basics of CPR empowers them to act in emergencies and fosters a culture of preparedness and responsibility. As future caregivers and community leaders, students with CPR skills can significantly impact their families and communities.
Incorporating CPR training into school curriculums has gained traction in recent years, with many states passing laws requiring CPR education for high school graduation. On October 16, many schools will participate in special activities to engage students and encourage them to spread the word about the importance of CPR training.
Take a CPR course
At ACLS Academy, we have three different variations of the AHA’s Heartsaver CPR courses available to non-medical professionals: 1) HEARTSAVER CPR/AED/FIRST AID, 2) HEARTSAVER CPR/AED, OR 3) PEDIATRIC CPR/AED/FIRST AID.
American Heart Association Heartsaver courses are designed to prepare non-healthcare providers for the ability to effectively administer CPR, including the use of AEDs for adult, child, and infant responses. These courses are typically required for lifeguards, physical trainers, restaurant workers, coaches, and similar groups. In addition to CPR & AED use, the Heartsaver course offers an additional, supplemental First Aid training component, which can be done as a stand-alone course or as an add-on to the CPR & AED training.
Are you interested in learning this lifesaving skill? Sign up here for ACLS Academy's Heartsaver courses, or contact us for questions or additional information.
ACLS Academy is an authorized American Heart Association (AHA)- Aligned Training Center. We have three convenient locations in Massachusetts—Quincy, Bridgewater, and Newton Center—and most of our classes include an online training component. We provide high-quality courses taught by instructors practicing in the medical profession for ACLS, TNCC, BLS, ENPC, NRP, PALS, PALS Plus, PEARS and Bloodborne Pathogen, HeartSaver CPR/AED, First Aid, and Instructor Courses. Please browse our catalog of courses.