The American Heart Association will bring its Nation of Lifesavers Mobile CPR unit to the Dow Championship LPGA golf event in Midland, Michigan, offering fans walk-up training in Hands-Only CPR throughout tournament days. The initiative aims to address a critical public health challenge: most cardiac arrests outside hospitals are fatal because bystanders do not administer CPR in time.
According to the American Heart Association, 9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital die, often because they do not receive immediate CPR. When administered right away, CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. The Association publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR and is a global leader in resuscitation science and training.
At the Dow Championship, qualified CPR trainers will teach participants the correct rate and depth of chest compressions. The technique, known as Hands-Only CPR, is simple: if you see a teen or adult collapse, call 911 and then push hard and fast in the center of the chest. It can be just as effective as traditional CPR during the first few minutes of an emergency.
The training is part of the American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030. The Association has activated its Mobile CPR unit at major sporting events, including Super Bowl LVIII, LIX, and LX, as well as the NFL Draft, NBA All-Star Game, and upcoming FIFA Fan Festival sites.
During the Dow Championship week, the SOAR Summit will feature a fireside chat on resilience and recovery after cardiac events. NFL Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders and NWSL player Savy King will join American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown to share personal stories and encourage fans to learn CPR. “Every second counts when a cardiac arrest occurs, and far too often help doesn’t arrive in time because bystanders don’t feel prepared to act,” said Brown. “We’re grateful to work with Dow and the LPGA to bring this lifesaving education directly to the community.”
Dow Chairman and CEO Jim Fitterling, who also co-chairs the American Heart Association CEO Roundtable, emphasized the company's commitment to community health. “Hosting the Nation of Lifesavers CPR activation at the Dow Championship and convening leaders and athletes at our SOAR Summit reflects our belief in the power of connection, education and action,” he said.
The American Heart Association, Dow, and the LPGA are united in their goal to prepare communities for cardiac emergencies. Fans are encouraged to visit heart.org/nation to join the Nation of Lifesavers and learn how to save a life in just 90 seconds.
