Every second counts in a cardiac emergency. For the American Heart Association (AHA), equipping employees with life-saving CPR skills is more than just training—it’s a mission to save lives. With over 3,000 employees nationwide, the AHA is committed to fostering a culture of preparedness, ensuring that when the moment arrives, their team is ready to act.
As part of its employee engagement and health programs, the AHA offers Hands-Only CPR training, a simple yet powerful technique involving chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth breaths. Whether through hands-on workshops or an eLearning platform featuring interactive videos and real-life scenarios, employees are given the tools they need to respond confidently in emergencies. At the AHA’s national office in Dallas, staff can even sharpen their skills through five-minute sessions at digital CPR kiosks.
For those seeking full certification, the AHA provides comprehensive courses in CPR, AED use, infant CPR, and emergency first aid, with regular certification renewals. These programs aren’t just about workplace safety—they’re part of the AHA’s broader mission to create healthier communities. Across all AHA office spaces, the organization regularly reviews CPR training and AED availability, ensuring employees are prepared wherever they work.
Making an Impact
These efforts are already saving lives.
In 2024, AHA employee Lulu Alaniz found herself in a real-life emergency at a baseball game in Dallas. When a man collapsed, Alaniz didn’t hesitate—she sprang into action, applying her CPR training alongside other bystanders as they worked together to keep him alive. “I had never witnessed anything like that before, but I knew I had to act,” she recalled. “It felt incredible knowing I helped save a life.” After 19 years with the AHA, it was the first time Alaniz had used her CPR skills, but her quick response made all the difference.
Similarly, in 2023, AHA staff member Brooke Berryman and her friend Lea were on a walk when they saw a man collapse, likely experiencing a heart attack. Without hesitation, Berryman performed CPR until paramedics arrived. Thanks to her swift action, the man made a full recovery. “Everyone said, ‘You’re a hero!’ And I’m like, I’m not a hero. Anyone can do this,” she emphasized. “That’s the message. People think it will never happen to them or their loved ones, but I’m proof that having this skill can save a life.”
Creating a Safer Future
These stories are more than just individual acts of heroism—they reflect the AHA’s unwavering commitment to health and safety. By empowering its employees with life-saving skills, the AHA is helping build a nationwide culture of preparedness. The ripple effect of their training programs extends beyond the workplace, creating safer communities and inspiring others to take action.