JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Millions of Americans are caring for loved ones every day, supporting young children, aging parents, or both. Yet many caregivers lack the lifesaving skills needed to respond in a medical emergency. In fact, only about one-third of U.S. adults say they feel confident and ready to act if someone experiences cardiac arrest.

Each year, more than 300,000 people suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital in the United States. Infants, older adults, and individuals with chronic health conditions are among the most vulnerable. For children of all ages, more than 80% of cardiac emergencies occur at home—making caregivers the first and most critical line of response. CPR and AED training isn’t just a medical skill; it’s an essential part of caregiving.

“Knowing how to respond in a cardiac emergency gives caregivers confidence when it matters most,” said Christian Smith, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of North & Central Florida. “First aid and CPR training can make a lifesaving difference for a child, family member, or even a stranger.”

During National Heart Month, the American Red Cross is encouraging people to show their loved ones they care by taking a Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED class. When someone receives immediate CPR, their chances of surviving cardiac arrest can triple. Here in the North & Central Florida Region of the American Red Cross, more than 107,000 people received lifesaving training through the Red Cross last year.

Be Ready for the Moments That Matter

For more than a century, the American Red Cross has been a national leader in first aid education, training millions of people each year to help save lives in emergencies. To meet evolving needs and reflect the latest science, the Red Cross recently enhanced its First Aid/CPR/AED training program. Updates include new infant CPR techniques and instruction on using epinephrine nasal spray, now an approved treatment for anaphylaxis.

The training also helps participants recognize and respond to heart-related emergencies, including understanding the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attacks. Updated guidance highlights how heart attack symptoms may present differently in women, supporting earlier recognition and faster action when seconds count.

To learn more or find a class near you, visit redcross.org/takeaclass.

About the American Red Cross of North and Central Florida
The American Red Cross of North and Central Florida including the U.S. Virgin Islands serves 49 Florida counties through seven chapters: Northeast Florida (Jacksonville), Central Florida Coast (Orlando, Daytona Beach), Capital Area (Tallahassee), Northwest Florida (Pensacola, Panama City), North Central Florida (Gainesville), Tampa Bay, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information, please visit redcross.org/NCFL or follow us on social media @RedCrossNCFL.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media @RedCross.