World Restart a Heart Day 2026 is being observed on Friday, October 16, as health organisations worldwide urge people to learn simple CPR techniques that could save lives during sudden cardiac emergencies.
The American Heart Association is highlighting a major misconception: many people believe only medical professionals or specially trained individuals should perform CPR. However, immediate chest compressions can double or triple the chances of surviving cardiac arrest.
In the United Kingdom, Yorkshire Ambulance Service is marking the occasion with a major training initiative targeting approximately 35,000 students across 168 secondary schools, supported by around 800 ambulance staff and volunteers.
World Restart a Heart Day 2026: Global Campaign and Key Facts
Observed annually on October 16 since 2018, World Restart a Heart Day is supported by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), European Resuscitation Council and American Heart Association.
The campaign promotes the message “Two Hands Can Save a Life,” encouraging people to recognise cardiac arrest, perform chest compressions and learn to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
ILCOR estimates that earlier CPR and defibrillation could help save up to 200,000 additional lives worldwide each year.
Simple Hands-Only CPR Steps Everyone Should Know
If an adult or teenager suddenly collapses, becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, immediate action is essential.
- Check responsiveness: Ensure the surroundings are safe. Tap the person’s shoulders, shout and check for normal breathing. Gasping is not normal breathing.
- Call emergency services: Dial 911 in the US, 999 or 112 in the UK, or 112 in India. Use speakerphone and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
- Position your hands: Place the person on their back on a firm surface. Put one hand’s heel in the centre of the chest and your other hand on top.
- Begin compressions: Keep your arms straight and push 100–120 times per minute, approximately 5–6 centimetres deep in an average adult.
- Allow chest recoil: Let the chest return to its normal position between compressions without unnecessary pauses.
- Use an AED: Ask someone to retrieve a defibrillator. Switch it on and follow its voice instructions. Continue CPR when directed.
Continue until emergency responders take over, the person shows signs of life or you cannot continue. Hands-only CPR does not require mouth-to-mouth breathing for sudden adult cardiac arrest.
However, rescue breaths are especially important for children, drowning victims and certain breathing-related emergencies. Trained rescuers should follow appropriate CPR guidance.
Cardiac Arrest Survival Statistics Highlight the Risk
More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States, according to the American Heart Association’s World Restart a Heart Day statement. Approximately 90% of affected patients do not survive.
In the UK, approximately 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests receive attempted resuscitation annually, with fewer than one in ten patients surviving.
Many emergencies occur at home, making relatives and neighbours potential first responders. The cardiac arrest rescue involving a family’s dog and immediate CPR illustrates the importance of recognising a medical emergency and responding quickly.
35,000 Yorkshire Students Targeted for CPR Training
Yorkshire Ambulance Service’s 2026 initiative aims to teach approximately 35,000 students across 168 secondary schools, supported by ambulance staff and volunteers.
Since the programme began in 2014, more than 311,000 students have received CPR training.
Resuscitation Council UK is also promoting public awareness through its “Resus Annie on Tour” campaign, with October activities in London, Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast and Manchester.
Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack Are Different Emergencies
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively, typically causing collapse, unconsciousness and absent or abnormal breathing.
A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle becomes blocked. Symptoms may include chest discomfort, sweating, breathlessness or pain spreading to the arm or jaw.
A heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest. Both require urgent medical attention, but CPR is needed when someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
Emergency preparedness also matters in sports. The death of Southern Nazarene University football player Tyler Ulrich following a game injury highlights the importance of timely medical response, although his case should not be confused with a confirmed cardiac arrest.
How to Participate in World Restart a Heart Day
People can participate by attending CPR classes, learning to operate an AED, identifying nearby defibrillators and encouraging family members to practise emergency response skills.
The American Heart Association offers a volunteer activity toolkit, while the British Heart Foundation provides free online CPR training through its RevivR programme.
Schools and workplaces can develop emergency response plans identifying who will call emergency services, begin CPR and retrieve an AED.
Health organisations emphasise that learning CPR should extend beyond October 16. Regular practice and prompt action can give cardiac arrest patients a better chance of survival before professional help arrives.
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