Philly Students Learn Hands-Only CPR in School

American Heart Association provides resources to teach life-saving skills across all grade levels.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:53pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Students in Philadelphia are learning hands-only CPR in school, with the American Heart Association providing CPR mannequins and educational resources to teach the potentially life-saving skill from grades 1-12. Some schools have older students teach the technique to younger students, helping to spread awareness and preparedness.

Why it matters

Hands-only CPR has been shown to double or triple the survival rate of someone in cardiac arrest compared to traditional CPR methods. Teaching these skills in schools ensures more people in the community are prepared to respond in an emergency.

The details

In Pennsylvania, high schools are required to teach CPR, but the American Heart Association provides educational materials and CPR mannequins for all grade levels. Students practice the technique, keeping the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive" in their heads to maintain the correct chest compression rhythm. Some schools have older students, like juniors and seniors, teach the hands-only CPR process to younger students in 9th and 10th grade.

  • The American Heart Association provides CPR education for grades 1-5 and the full hands-only CPR process for grades 6-8.

The players

Elizabeth Dombrovan

A junior at the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush who is training to become an EMT and helps teach hands-only CPR to other students.

Jeff Salvatore

A representative from the American Heart Association who oversees the CPR education program in Philadelphia schools.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I do very much keep that rhythm in my head. It's like, 'da, da, da, da, stayin' alive,'”

— Elizabeth Dombrovan, Student

“Helping to teach other people to, hopefully, if it ever comes to it, save a life. It's really, really great.”

— Elizabeth Dombrovan, Student

“Grades 1-5, they provide education on elements of hands-only CPR and calling 911. And then grades 6-8 receive the entire process of hands-only CPR.”

— Jeff Salvatore, American Heart Association Representative

What’s next

The American Heart Association plans to continue providing CPR education resources to Philadelphia schools, with the goal of ensuring all students are prepared to respond in a medical emergency.

The takeaway

Teaching hands-only CPR in schools is a proactive step to improve community preparedness and potentially save lives. By starting education at the elementary level and having older students teach younger peers, Philadelphia is building a culture of lifesaving awareness and skills.