An Effort to Break Record in CPR Training

Duke to lead statewide attempt to break world record for most training in one day

A map of counties showing RACE CARS Trial Participation

The following is a summary of a story on the Duke School of Medicine website.

On February 25 North Carolinians have a shot at making history. Duke School of Medicine is leading a statewide push to break the world record for the most people trained in hands‑only CPR in one day.

People learn CPR every day. But this effort is bigger. The goal is to train at least 30,000 people across the state. The mission is simple: Give people the skills and confidence to act during a cardiac emergency and improve the chance of survival.

More than 350,000 people in the United States experience sudden cardiac arrest each year. Most do not survive. Quick CPR can double or triple the chance of survival. “Learning CPR only takes a few minutes, but it can completely change what you’re able to do in an emergency,” says event coordinator and Duke Ph.D. student Tyler Cope. “Anyone can walk away with the confidence and skills to step in and potentially save a life.” 

Led by Duke cardiologist Chris Granger, the event will take place in 30 counties as part of the RACE CARS trial. Volunteer trainers from Duke and communities across North Carolina will teach hands‑only CPR at selected locations.

Community volunteers hope to reach the 30,000‑person mark. If they do, it will set a new world record. A live dashboard on the trial website will track the number of people trained. The site also lists training locations, including Weaver Street Market in Carrboro, which welcomes Duke students, faculty and staff.

The RACE CARS trial brings together Duke Clinical Research Institute, emergency responders, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies. A study team is also investigating how stronger 911 and first responder systems can improve survival. 

For more information, go to the Duke School of Medicine website.