Every year on October 16, people around the world come together for World Restart a Heart Day, a global campaign focused on raising awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and the importance of learning CPR and how to use an AED. It is a day dedicated to giving everyday people the confidence to take action when every second counts.
What Is World Restart a Heart Day?
World Restart a Heart Day began in 2012 when the European Resuscitation Council launched it as European Cardiac Arrest Awareness Week. The goal was to bring attention to the importance of early CPR and to encourage people across Europe to learn how to save a life.
In 2018, the initiative became global when the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) expanded the campaign worldwide. Now, every October 16, countries across the globe participate by offering CPR training sessions, AED demonstrations, and educational events to help communities become more prepared.
The idea behind the campaign is simple: you do not need to be a doctor, nurse, or paramedic to save a life. With just a small amount of training, anyone can make a lifesaving difference.
Why It Matters
Every year, more than 350,000 people in the United States experience a sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. Without immediate help, survival is unlikely. In many cases, emergency services take several minutes to arrive, and those moments are critical.
However, when someone nearby starts CPR and uses an AED, the chances of survival can more than double or even triple. World Restart a Heart Day exists to remind everyone that quick action truly matters. It is about helping more people feel ready to step forward instead of standing by.
How You Can Take Part
Taking part in World Restart a Heart Day is easy and meaningful. Even a few minutes of effort can make a difference. Here are a few ways to get involved this year:
• Learn or refresh your CPR skills
• Check your AED pads and batteries to make sure your device is rescue ready
• Locate the nearest AED at your workplace, gym, or school
• Share information about CPR and AEDs with friends and family
• Encourage your organization or community to host a CPR training event
When more people know what to do in a cardiac emergency, lives can be saved.
Our Mission at AED Market
At AED Market, we are proud to support efforts like World Restart a Heart Day. Our mission is to make AEDs accessible, affordable, and easy to maintain for schools, businesses, churches, and organizations across the country.
This October 16, take a few moments to learn, check, or share. Every small step helps build safer communities and gives more people a chance to survive sudden cardiac arrest.
Let’s make every heartbeat count this World Restart a Heart Day.
— The AED Market Team