TV Portrayal of CPR Techniques Outdated, Study Finds

New analysis shows TV dramas are teaching viewers incorrect CPR methods

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:47pm

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A new study from the University of Pittsburgh found that more than 70% of CPR scenes in TV shows since 2008 depict outdated techniques, including mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and pulse checks. The analysis also found discrepancies between on-screen CPR and real-world cardiac arrest situations, with TV portraying more young, public victims compared to the typical older, at-home patient. However, experts say any CPR is better than none, and the goal should be empowering viewers to act.

Why it matters

Accurate CPR training is crucial, as the technique can double or triple survival rates for the more than 350,000 people who suffer cardiac arrest annually in the U.S. Outdated TV portrayals may lead to confusion and hesitation among potential bystanders, preventing them from providing life-saving assistance.

The details

The study, conducted by the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and School of Medicine, found that of more than 160 U.S. TV episodes featuring CPR since 2008, only 30% showed the correct hands-only method endorsed by the American Heart Association since 2008. Nearly half the episodes depicted outdated practices like mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (48%) and pulse checks (43%). The analysis also found discrepancies between on-screen and real-world CPR, with TV portraying more young, public victims compared to the typical older, at-home cardiac arrest patient.

  • The American Heart Association began endorsing hands-only CPR in 2008.

The players

Beth L. Hoffman

Assistant professor of behavioral and community health sciences at Pittsburgh Public Health.

Ore Fawole

Recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh who led the coding and analysis for the project.

Dr. Elizabeth Hewett Brumberg

Pediatric emergency physician at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and a member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council.

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What they’re saying

“In my volunteer work training Pittsburgh youth in CPR, there's a lot of confusion. We ask students, 'What's the first thing you do?' and they say, 'Check for a pulse.' But we don't do that in bystander CPR anymore.”

— Beth L. Hoffman, Assistant professor of behavioral and community health sciences (Deseret.com)

“If viewers think cardiac arrest only happens in public or to young people, they may not see CPR training as relevant to their own lives. But most cardiac arrests happen at home, and the person you save is likely someone you love.”

— Ore Fawole, Recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh (Deseret.com)

“I would stress that any CPR is better than no CPR. If watching a show empowers somebody to attempt bystander CPR when they otherwise would not, I think that's a win rather than a loss.”

— Dr. Elizabeth Hewett Brumberg, Pediatric emergency physician (Deseret.com)

What’s next

Public health experts and content creators are encouraged to collaborate to ensure accurate CPR depictions in TV and media that empower viewers to act.

The takeaway

While accuracy in CPR portrayals is important, the primary goal should be encouraging bystanders to take action and provide life-saving assistance when needed, even if the techniques are not perfectly depicted.