• Detroit residents encouraged to learn life-saving skills and help Detroit remain the nation's largest HEARTSafe Community
• Residents can register for the free Hands-only CPR courses at detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-fire-department

In recognition of National CPR & AED Awareness Week, the Detroit Fire Department welcomed community members and media representatives to its Walter P. Harris Regional Training Center for a Hands-Only CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training session, highlighting the critical role residents play in improving survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest.

The event served as a reminder that while emergency responders are committed to reaching patients as quickly as possible, the actions taken by bystanders in the first few moments of a cardiac emergency can mean the difference between life and death.

"Most cardiac arrests happen at home, in our neighborhoods, among family members, friends, and loved ones," said Mayor Mary Sheffield. "That's why it is so important that Detroiters learn these simple, life-saving skills. When more residents know how to recognize cardiac arrest, call 911, begin Hands-Only CPR, and use an AED, we create safer neighborhoods and stronger communities. Together, we can save more lives."

Paramedic Lieutenant Instructor Willie Craft leads Detroit's Hands-Only CPR instruction classes at DFD's Walter P. Harris Regional Training Center. Here, resident students are learning best practices for Hands-Only CPR. 

Detroit's HEARTSafe Community Commitment

Detroit is proud to be recognized as the largest HEARTSafe Community in the United States, a designation awarded by the Citizen CPR Foundation to communities that demonstrate a coordinated commitment to improving outcomes from sudden cardiac arrest.

Achieving and maintaining HEARTSafe status requires collaboration among emergency medical services, healthcare partners, public safety agencies, schools, businesses, and community members. It also requires ongoing public education and training efforts to ensure that thousands of residents are equipped each year with the skills needed to respond confidently during a cardiac emergency.

The Detroit Fire Department continues to lead those efforts through regular community training opportunities and public outreach programs designed to increase awareness of CPR and AED use across the city.

"Maintaining Detroit's HEARTSafe designation is not something we accomplish once and put on a shelf," said Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. "It requires ongoing work, commitment, and partnerships throughout our city. I am incredibly proud of the work being done across divisions of the Detroit Fire Department to provide CPR and AED training to our residents and help build a culture of preparedness. I am also grateful for the leadership of Dr. Robert Dunne, whose vision and dedication continue to guide our efforts to ensure Detroit remains a national leader in cardiac arrest survival."

Detroit's District 4 Manager, Taylor Harrell, and Detroit resident and college student Shardai Duckett practice Hands-Only CPR. Duckett signed up for the class after seeing the opportunity online. 

Every Second Matters

The Detroit Fire Department has achieved record-low response times to Code 1 medical emergencies, ensuring that advanced life support reaches patients faster than ever before. However, emergency medical experts emphasize that survival often depends on what happens before first responders arrive.

For every minute that passes without CPR, the chance of survival decreases significantly. Immediate bystander intervention helps maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs until professional medical care can take over.

"Hands-Only CPR gives a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest their best chance at survival," said Dr. Robert Dunne, Medical Director for the Detroit Fire Department and Detroit East Medical Control Authority. "Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, at any time, and seconds truly matter. The actions taken by a family member, friend, coworker, or neighbor in those first few minutes can dramatically improve outcomes. That's why training members of the public is such an essential part of our mission." 

Free Training Available to the Public

To support Detroit's HEARTSafe goals, the Detroit Fire Department offers free Hands-Only CPR and AED awareness classes to members of the public twice each week at the Detroit Fire Department’s Walter P. Harris Regional Training Center.

The classes are designed for anyone interested in learning the basics of responding to a cardiac emergency. No prior medical experience is required. Training sessions last approximately 45 minutes and provide participants with the confidence and knowledge needed to take action during a critical emergency.

Residents can register on the HEARTSafe Community page on the DFD website at detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-fire-department.

"Some of the best instructors in the fire service are right here at our Regional Training Center, and they are passionate about sharing these life-saving skills with the public," said Chief of Training Jamal Mickles. "We would love to see every class filled because every person we train represents another potential lifesaver in our community. Our staff stands ready to welcome Detroiters and provide the training they need to make a difference when it matters most."

Residents and visitors can also download the PulsePoint AED app for free to learn the locations of the nearest AED. If it’s already on your phone, using this app during an emergency is a simple, but critical step in the lifesaving chain.

For more information about Detroit’s ongoing mission to remain a HEARTSafe Community or to register for a free training session, visit the Detroit Fire Department's HEARTSafe Community webpage at detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-fire-department/heartsafe-community.