More Americans are caring for loved ones – but few feel prepared for emergencies
•February 18, 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 a caregiving essential.