The American Heart Association (AHA) is expanding its Nation of Lifesavers™ campaign internationally by launching an educational initiative in Japan from March 27-30, in partnership with Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. The program focuses on teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use to students, with the goal of enhancing cardiac emergency response capabilities. During the tour, AHA CEO Nancy Brown and Hamlin will conduct a Hands-Only CPR training session for approximately 1,500 students at the American School in Japan. They will also train 250 attendees at the Japan Flag Football Championships and over 80 students at Teiko University.
Hamlin, who survived a cardiac arrest during a football game in 2023, is using his personal experience to highlight the critical importance of CPR knowledge. Through his Chasing M's Foundation, he will donate AEDs to local schools in the Kawasaki City area, supporting the mission of cardiac emergency preparedness. The Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, launched in 2023, aims to double out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates in the United States by 2030. Current statistics show that more than half of sudden cardiac arrest victims do not receive immediate CPR, contributing to a mortality rate where 9 out of 10 victims do not survive.
CPR can significantly improve survival chances, potentially doubling or tripling a person's likelihood of survival when performed immediately. The training emphasizes critical techniques such as chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute and a depth of approximately two inches. By expanding this educational initiative to Japan, the American Heart Association is demonstrating its global commitment to reducing cardiac emergency fatalities. The organization emphasizes that these life-saving skills can be learned in as little as 90 seconds, empowering individuals to act in emergencies.
The initiative matters because it addresses a critical public health issue where timely intervention can mean the difference between life and death. Cardiac arrest remains a leading cause of death worldwide, and increasing CPR awareness and training can bridge the gap between emergency occurrence and professional medical response. The partnership with Hamlin adds a powerful narrative of personal survival and advocacy, potentially increasing engagement and retention of the training. Expanding the program internationally sets a precedent for global health collaboration, where shared knowledge and resources can combat common health threats. This effort not only aims to save lives directly through improved emergency response but also fosters a culture of preparedness and community responsibility in health crises.
