A landmark moment for public health and education unfolded recently in Washington, D.C., as the Senate passed a significant bill aimed at equipping schools with training programs for CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use.
The legislation, known as the HEARTS Act—an acronym for Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research, and Training in Schools—represents a critical step forward in the effort to combat sudden cardiac arrest.
The Driving Force Behind the Bill: Damar Hamlin
The HEARTS Act owes much of its momentum to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, whose advocacy brought nationwide attention to the importance of CPR and AED training. Hamlin’s campaign was deeply personal.
In 2023, during an NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on the field—a harrowing moment that stunned millions of viewers.
Since recovering, Hamlin has dedicated himself to raising awareness about the critical role of bystander intervention in saving lives during cardiac emergencies. His efforts included a visit to the Oval Office, where he met with President Joe Biden to advocate for the House version of the bill earlier in the year.
“Since experiencing cardiac arrest, I’ve been honored to work with partners who understand how important it is to provide CPR education and have access to AEDs to save lives,” Hamlin said.
“I’m very grateful to Senator Schumer for his work making this common-sense legislation a priority. My journey has shown us that no one expects cardiac arrest to happen, and we all need to be prepared.”
With the bill now approved by both the House and Senate, President Biden has pledged to sign it into law before the end of his term.
Cardiac Arrest: A Crisis with a Readily Available Solution
Sudden cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating. Without prompt intervention, it almost always results in death. However, it is one of the few medical emergencies where immediate action can mean the difference between life and death. When someone nearby knows how to perform CPR and use an AED, survival rates increase dramatically.
This lifesaving potential underscores the importance of widespread training. Yet, many individuals lack the basic knowledge or confidence to step in during such emergencies. Hamlin’s advocacy, alongside the HEARTS Act, aims to bridge this gap by making CPR and AED training accessible to students and educators alike, fostering a new generation of lifesavers.
Lessons from the Sports World
Hamlin’s advocacy isn’t the only instance of cardiac arrest prompting action. The sports world has been a critical arena for raising awareness about this silent killer.
In 2020, Denmark’s star soccer player Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during a high-profile European Championship match. His collapse on the field sent shockwaves through the global sports community. Thanks to the immediate response of trained personnel and the availability of an AED, Eriksen’s life was saved.
The incident spurred a movement within soccer to ensure fans, stadium workers, and team staff are prepared for such emergencies. During the 2024 European Championship in Germany, the Get Trained, Save Lives campaign was launched in partnership with the European Resuscitation Council. The initiative provided pro bono CPR and AED training at booths in every stadium, raising awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and equipping individuals with lifesaving skills.
By the end of the tournament, 38,000 fans, workers, and staff had received certification in CPR and AED use, demonstrating the power of collective action and education.
Real-Life Heroics: The Power of CPR
The importance of CPR cannot be overstated. While popular media often portrays CPR as a quick, 20-second maneuver, real-life rescues can involve prolonged efforts. In some cases, individuals have been saved after hours of continuous CPR—a testament to the resilience of trained bystanders and the effectiveness of the technique.
In one remarkable story, a man’s life was saved after hours of uninterrupted CPR performed by multiple individuals who refused to give up. These stories highlight the profound impact that proper training and determination can have in critical moments.
A New Era of Preparedness
The HEARTS Act marks the beginning of a new era in which CPR and AED training becomes a fundamental part of education in schools. By integrating these programs into the curriculum, students will not only gain academic knowledge but also life skills that could one day save lives.
As Senator Chuck Schumer emphasized, this legislation is more than a policy change; it is a call to action for communities to prioritize preparedness and resilience. The HEARTS Act serves as a reminder that cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time—and that we all have the power to make a difference.
Looking Ahead
With President Biden’s imminent approval of the HEARTS Act, the next steps will involve implementing these training programs nationwide. Schools will play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of readiness, empowering students, teachers, and staff to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies.
Damar Hamlin’s journey from a near-death experience to becoming a national advocate for lifesaving education underscores the transformative power of resilience and purpose. His work, alongside the HEARTS Act, ensures that countless lives will be saved in the years to come.
By building on the lessons learned in sports stadiums and classrooms alike, society can move closer to a future where no life is lost due to a lack of preparedness. The message is clear: Get trained, stay ready, and save lives.