Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training Week

Ready to Respond: Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training Week

Learn the Facts. Gain the Skills. Save a Life.

Join the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation for our inaugural Training Week – October 12-18!

Overview 

The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation will host Ready to Respond: Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training Week during National Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Month. The training week will be observed on the second full week of October each year, and this year it takes place on Sunday, October 12 through Saturday, October 18. 

This week-long campaign aims to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and equip individuals, communities, schools, businesses and others with knowledge about sudden cardiac arrest, and lifesaving skills through CPR and AED training.

Every second counts when someone collapses from sudden cardiac arrest. National Training Week empowers everyday people with the knowledge and skills to save lives. Whether you’re learning CPR for the first time or hosting a training or presentation in your school, workplace, or neighborhood, this week is about taking action.

Why SCAF is hosting National CPR & AED Training Week + why you should participate!

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a critical public health issue that requires immediate attention and action. Below are some key reasons why we are organizing this training day:

  • High Incidence of SCA: Each year, more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States. Nearly 90% of these incidents are fatal.
  • Importance of Immediate Response: Immediate CPR can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. Unfortunately, only about 40% of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive the immediate help they need before professional help arrives.
  • Community Impact: Approximately 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes. This means that the life you save is likely to be that of a loved one.
  • Workplace Safety: There are about 10,000 cardiac arrests in the workplace each year in the United States. Knowing how to perform CPR and using an AED can save lives in these settings.
  • Educational Outreach: By increasing the number of people trained in CPR and AED use, we can significantly improve survival rates and outcomes for cardiac arrest victims.

Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere. Most often, it happens outside of hospitals—where bystanders can make the biggest difference. Quick CPR and AED use can double or triple the chance of survival.

Our goal is simple: to educate as many people as possible about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), CPR and AEDs, so they are empowered to act in the case of an emergency. Anyone can save a life! 

How to Get Involved

  • Host a Training: Lead a training event in your community.
  • Find a Training: Use our map to locate a session near you.
  • Become a HEART Champion: Advocate and lead awareness efforts year-round. Learn more and sign up here.

Locations

We are partnering with organizers across the United States to host a number of training events. Be sure to check this page as we confirm site locations! 

Training Goals + What to Expect

  • Sudden cardiac arrest awareness: learn more about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and how to recognize its signs and symptoms
  • CPR and AED Training: Learn hands-only CPR and AED training led by volunteer instructors to be prepared to step in and help in the case of a sudden cardiac arrest. **Note: The nature of this training will NOT provide CPR/AED certification to participants. 
  • Hands-On Practice: Opportunities for hands-on practice with CPR mannikins and AED devices.
  • Community Engagement, Networking and Fun: Sites will offer various activities to engage participants and opportunities to support the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. 

Types of Events

To reach as many people as possible with SCA information, education and CPR/AED training, we are offering two types of events. 

Public Community Events: 

Drop-In Locations (High-Traffic, Pop-Up Events)

Private Events:

(Schools, Scouts, Sports Teams, Workplaces and more)

Stop By. Learn CPR. Be Ready.

Look for drop-in training events at libraries, malls, gyms, or community centers. These informal setups allow you to practice hands-only CPR in just a few minutes.

👉 No sign-up needed. Just stop by and take a few minutes to learn a lifesaving skill!

Bring Training to Your Group

Want to empower your school, workplace, or organization? Host a private training event tailored to your setting—whether it’s at a Scout meeting, a staff in-service, a sports practice, or a classroom. We’ll help you deliver information about SCA and hands-on CPR and AED education to the people in your everyday circle.

👉 Complete our interest form to get started and register your event.

Host a Training Event

Are you passionate about CPR & AED training and want to help make this effort a success? We need awareness champions to help with this important event! Volunteer to host a training event at a site in your community! 

Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of site organizers here. 

Ready to sign up? Please complete your interest form here. 

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m interested in planning an event – where do I start and what support is available?

SCAF has you covered! Review the site organizer description here as a starting point. Once you’ve submitted your interest form and your site, date and time are confirmed, SCAF will provide additional technical assistance, resources and support in your planning process.

I’m a CPR/AED instructor and I would like to volunteer, can I assist?

Yes! You can either host an event, or we can connect you with another registered event in your area where you can volunteer and lend your expertise. Reach out to info [at] sca-aware.org to learn more. 

I’m interested in attending an event. Do I need to sign up?

No, participants are encouraged to drop in at any PUBLIC event of their choice within the hours noted in the schedule. You do not need to sign up in advance. Visit when you can and bring your friends! 

Some events may take place at schools, workplaces or extra-curricular activities within the structure of the school schedule, group/team meeting schedule, or workday. These events are not open to the public. 

I want to learn how to perform CPR and use an AED. How long should I expect to attend the event? 

The training will provide attendees with practical knowledge to learn hands-only CPR and how to use an AED. The basics of this only take a few minutes. Participants can also practice their skills with mannequins and AEDs. Please plan to leave a few minutes for questions for volunteer instructors if you have them, and to pick up any additional materials available at the event. Some sites may also offer additional activities to engage in.

I have to be CPR-certified for my job. Will this training satisfy that requirement? 

No, please note that training at the event will teach participants valuable skills for CPR/AEDs but will not provide any certification. 

I work at a school. Can we participate? 

Yes! Schools and college campuses are invited to participate by teaching CPR/AEDs to their students during the week. Whether you host training activities during lunch, a special assembly, or integrated into health classes, there are many options to reach your students and staff. SCAF can help connect you with training instructors and equipment needed to make your event a success.

This sounds great. How can I support and sponsor this initiative? 

We are grateful for the support of sponsors, partners and similarly aligned organizations! We appreciate any support with helping us promote the event, product or activity donations, or providing financial support. A variety of options are available. Please email info [at] sca-aware.org, thank you!