Media Contact: Laura McGuire

Telephone: 608-381-4502

Laura.mcguire@redcross.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

More Americans are caring for loved ones — but few feel prepared for

emergencies

This Heart Month, the American Red Cross urges people to take a CPR and first aid

course to be ready for the moments that matter

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Feb. 9, 2026) - Today, millions of Americans serve as caregivers, supporting both

young children and aging loved ones — often at the same time. Yet many lack critical lifesaving training,

including how to respond in a cardiac arrest emergency. Only about one-third of U.S. adults say they feel

confident and ready to act if someone goes into cardiac arrest.

More than 300,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of hospitals each year in the United States.

Infants, older adults and those with chronic health conditions are among the most vulnerable. For children

of all ages, more than 80% of these emergencies happen at home — making the home the front line of

response. CPR and AED training isn’t just a medical skill — it’s essential for caregiving.

“Having the ability to respond to a cardiac emergency makes you a better, more confident caregiver,” said

Jenny Legaspi, interim executive director of the Northwest Wisconsin chapter of the American Red Cross.

“Learning first aid and CPR skills may make a lifesaving difference for your child, family member, or even

a stranger.”

During National Heart Month, the American Red Cross is urging people to show your loved ones how

much you care by taking a Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED class and other lifesaving skills courses.

Having the knowledge and confidence to act when seconds count can triple someone’s chance of

surviving cardiac arrest. Here in the Wisconsin Region, nearly 19,000 people were trained in lifesaving

skills last year.

Be Ready for the Moments that Matter with Red Cross Lifesaving Training

For more than 100 years, the American Red Cross has been a national leader in first aid education,

training more than three million people per year in first aid, CPR and AED skills to help save lives in

emergencies.

To ensure we are meeting the needs of today and evolving with the latest science, the Red Cross has

recently enhanced its First Aid/CPR/AED training program to include updated infant CPR techniques and

instruction on using epinephrine nasal spray, which is now an approved treatment for anaphylaxis. These

updates ensure caregivers and bystanders are prepared to respond quickly and confidently in a range of

life-threatening emergencies.

The training also equips participants with the knowledge and skills to better identify and respond to heart-

related emergencies, including understanding the critical differences between cardiac arrest and heart

attacks. It incorporates updated warning signs—highlighting how heart attacks can present differently in

women—so symptoms are recognized earlier and lifesaving action can begin sooner. Visit

redcross.org/takeaclass to find a class near you.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40%

of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and

supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that

depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more

information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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