Why Every Second Counts During a Cardiac Emergency
Published: June 1, 2026
Every year, CPR & AED Awareness Week (June 1–7) serves as a powerful reminder that anyone can save a life. When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, immediate action can mean the difference between life and death. Knowing how to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) empowers everyday people to become lifesavers in their homes, workplaces, schools, and communities. One of the strongest voices behind this movement is Ed Kosiec, founder of Every Second Counts CPR, whose mission began after surviving a sudden cardiac arrest that nearly took his life.
What Is CPR & AED Awareness Week?
CPR & AED Awareness Week is dedicated to educating the public about the importance of recognizing cardiac emergencies and responding quickly. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike without warning, affecting people of all ages and fitness levels.
Without immediate intervention, survival rates decrease dramatically with each passing minute. However, bystander CPR and rapid AED use can significantly improve outcomes and increase a victim’s chances of survival.
Join the Movement in Washington, D.C. — July 23–25, 2026
This year’s mission extends beyond CPR & AED Awareness Week.
From July 23–25, 2026, advocates, survivors, healthcare professionals, first responders, educators, students, and community leaders from across the country will gather in Washington, D.C. for the National CPR & AED Awareness Rally & March.
Led by Every Second Counts CPR Founder Ed Kosiec, the event aims to raise awareness about Sudden Cardiac Arrest, increase CPR and AED education, support lifesaving legislation, and inspire communities to become better prepared for emergencies.
The three-day event provides attendees with opportunities to:
- Connect with CPR and AED advocates from across the United States
- Hear powerful survivor stories
- Learn from healthcare and emergency response professionals
- Participate in awareness activities and community outreach initiatives
- Support legislative efforts focused on cardiac arrest survival
- Join the National CPR & AED Awareness Rally & March
Why Washington, D.C. Matters
The nation’s capital provides a powerful platform to bring attention to a critical public health issue that impacts hundreds of thousands of families each year.
By bringing survivors, advocates, educators, and supporters together, Every Second Counts CPR is helping ensure that cardiac arrest awareness remains a national priority.
The goal is clear:
More CPR-trained citizens. More accessible AEDs. More lives saved.
Be Part of the 2026 Movement
Whether you’re a survivor, healthcare professional, first responder, educator, business leader, student, or community member, your voice matters.
Join supporters from around the country as they gather in Washington, D.C. to advocate for lifesaving education and emergency preparedness.
Key Dates
📅 CPR & AED Awareness Week: June 1–7, 2026
📅 Sponsorship Deadline: June 15, 2026
📅 National CPR & AED Awareness Rally & March: July 23–25, 2026
Visit EverySecondCountsCPR.org for event details, sponsorship opportunities, donation information, and registration.
Why CPR and AED Training Matters
Many people assume emergency responders will arrive immediately. In reality, the first few minutes following a cardiac arrest are critical.
Learning CPR and AED skills helps you:
- Recognize the signs of sudden cardiac arrest
- Provide immediate lifesaving care
- Maintain blood circulation until EMS arrives
- Use an AED safely and confidently
- Improve survival outcomes in your community
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, healthcare provider, business owner, or community volunteer, CPR training equips you with skills that can save lives.
Creating More Cardiac-Safe Communities
Communities become stronger when more people are prepared to respond during emergencies.
Organizations, businesses, schools, and community groups can support CPR awareness by:
- Offering CPR and AED training programs
- Installing and maintaining AEDs
- Promoting emergency preparedness initiatives
- Encouraging employees and community members to become certified
A well-trained community creates a stronger chain of survival and increases the likelihood of positive outcomes during cardiac emergencies.
Support the Every Second Counts CPR Mission
Every Second Counts CPR is committed to expanding CPR education, increasing public awareness, and helping communities become better prepared to respond to emergencies.
Sponsorship Deadline: June 15, 2026
There is still time to support this important mission.
Become a sponsor, make a donation, or help spread awareness and join a growing movement dedicated to saving lives through education and preparedness.
👉 Visit EverySecondCountsCPR.org to:
- Become a sponsor
- Make a donation
- Learn about community initiatives
- Get involved in CPR awareness efforts
How You Can Participate During CPR & AED Awareness Week
This week, take one action that could help save a life:
✅ Enroll in a CPR/AED training course
✅ Encourage your workplace to provide CPR training
✅ Learn where AEDs are located in your building
✅ Share CPR awareness resources on social media
✅ Support organizations promoting lifesaving education
✅ Encourage family members and friends to get trained
Every Second Counts
When sudden cardiac arrest happens, bystanders become first responders. The knowledge, confidence, and willingness to act can give someone a second chance at life.
During CPR & AED Awareness Week 2026, commit to learning, sharing, and supporting lifesaving education.
Because every second counts.