Centro Ambassadors and Go Rio Cruise Captains learned Hands-Only CPR during CPR and AED Awareness Week
SAN ANTONIO, June 5, 2026 — CPR and AED Awareness Week is recognized June 1 – 7. With 90% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests not surviving, the American Heart Association is challenging everyone to join the Nation of Lifesavers and commit to learning CPR this summer. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple chances of survival.
On June 1, approximately 100 personnel, including Centro San Antonio Ambassadors and Go Rio Cruise Captains, participated in a Hands-Only CPR demonstration. The American Heart Association led the session, providing instruction and hands-on practice using manikins. This knowledge equipped attendees with essential lifesaving skills, increasing their confidence in responding to cardiac emergencies.
“Centro’s mission is to keep downtown clean and safe and with this CPR training for our ambassadors we can now contribute to saving lives,” said Trish Deberry, Centro San Antonio president and chief executive officer. “Thanks to the American Heart Association for their invaluable instruction and bringing even more awareness to the critical necessity of being able to perform Hands-Only CPR.”
According to the Association, more than two in three people in the U.S. believe only people with special training should perform CPR[1], a mistaken belief that contributes to the low survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest. During CPR & AED Awareness Week, the American Heart Association is reminding families and communities, you don’t need to wear scrubs or have a medical background to save a life. You just need the courage to act.
The American Heart Association is committed to turning a nation of bystanders into lifesavers. The long-term goal: to ensure that in the face of a cardiac emergency, anyone, anywhere, is prepared and empowered to perform CPR and become a vital link in the chain of survival.
For additional ways to raise awareness during National CPR & AED Awareness Week, visit heart.org/nation. Nation of Lifesavers is nationally sponsored by Walgreens.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Reyna Caraveo: reyna.caraveo@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] American Heart Association Annual CPR Perceptions Survey. Available upon request.