On February 25, 2026, North Carolinians have a shot at making history. Duke School of Medicine is leading a statewide effort to break the world record for the most people trained in hands-only CPR in a single day.
Every day, someone learns how to save a life with CPR. But on this day, the goal is far bigger: to train at least 30,000 people across the state, giving them the skills and confidence to step in during a cardiac emergency — and drastically increase the chance of survival.
One day. One goal. Thousands of new lifesavers.
The event is taking place in 30 counties in NC as part of the Randomized Cluster Evaluation of Cardiac Arrest Systems (RACE CARS) trial, led by Duke cardiologist and researcher Chris Granger, MD. Participants will learn how to provide CPR from volunteer trainers from Duke and volunteers across the state at select locations.
More than 350,000 people experience sudden cardiac arrest in the U.S. annually, and 90% of cases are fatal. Cardiac arrest victims who receive CPR immediately have double to triple the survival rates of those who do not, according to the American Heart Association. “I always remind people that learning CPR only takes a few minutes, but in that short time it can completely change what you’re able to do in an emergency. Anyone can walk away with the confidence and skills to step in and potentially save a life,” said Tyler Cope, DPT, a PhD student in the Duke Department of Population Health Sciences, who is coordinating the world-record event.
Take part. Learn more. Find a location near you.
Community volunteers are aiming to train 30,000 people in participating counties that day, and if they achieve it, that’ll be a new world record. Organizers are keeping track of how many people are trained using the live dashboard posted on the trial website.
Specific locations are also available on the website, with Weaver Street Market at 101 E. Weaver St., Carrboro, NC, being one of the public training sites that members of the Duke University community -- students, faculty, and staff -- are encouraged to attend.
Anyone interested in volunteering on February 25 should contact Tyler Cope.
The RACE CARS trial is an ongoing partnership between researchers at Duke Clinical Research Institute, emergency medical services, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies throughout North Carolina. The trial aims to improve outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) victims.
The study team, led by principal investigator Chris Granger, MD, is also investigating whether improving 911 performance and optimizing first responder responses will enhance health outcomes. It is funded by the National Institutes of Health.