World Health Day: Why CPR and First Aid Training Matter More Than Ever

Every year on April 7, we celebrate World Health Day. It’s a time when the world comes together to shine a light on important health issues and find ways to build healthier, safer communities. This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” focuses on maternal and newborn health, but it also reminds us that strong communities are built when everyone knows how to care for one another, especially in emergencies.

That’s where CPR and first aid training come in. As the CPR and Safety Lady, I’ve spent years teaching people how to respond confidently in critical moments; and I can tell you this: knowing what to do in an emergency can be the difference between life and death.

The Truth About Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Unfortunately, sudden cardiac arrest happens more often than people think. In the U.S. alone, over 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals every year. That could be at a grocery store, on the sidelines of a soccer game, or even in your own living room.

When someone receives CPR immediately, their chance of survival can double or even triple; but without quick action, every minute that goes by without help drops that chance by 7 to 10 percent. Those first few minutes matter. A lot.

The Biggest Issue? Most People Don’t Feel Ready

Even though CPR is a lifesaving skill, many people aren’t trained, or haven’t refreshed their training in years. According to recent stats, while about 65 percent of Americans say they’ve learned CPR at some point, only 18 percent are currently up to date.

Life is busy. Maybe you learned CPR years ago and haven’t had a reason to think about it since. But CPR is like any skill, it gets rusty if you don’t practice it. That’s why I encourage people to take a refresher course every two years. It doesn’t take long, and it could help you save a life.

CPR Training Can Be Fun, Too

If you’ve ever been to one of my classes, you know I like to keep things engaging. I believe learning should be hands-on and even a little fun. We practice with manikins, get moving, and talk through real-life scenarios. I want people to leave my sessions feeling empowered and ready, not overwhelmed.

There are also group classes, school workshops, and even CPR parties where you and your friends can learn together in a relaxed, supportive setting. It’s not just about learning how to do chest compressions. It’s about building confidence, community, and connection.

A Community That’s Prepared is a Community That’s Safe

The more people in a neighborhood, workplace, school, or faith community who know CPR, the safer everyone becomes. It’s a ripple effect. One person learns CPR, teaches a friend, and suddenly, a whole group feels more prepared.

Think of CPR as an act of love and service. You’re stepping up for someone in their most vulnerable moment. Whether it’s a family member, coworker, or complete stranger, your actions could help give them another chance at life.

This World Health Day, I encourage you to take a small but powerful step: sign up for a CPR and first aid course. If you’ve taken one before, consider a refresher. Or better yet, bring a friend along. The more people who learn, the stronger and safer our communities become.