Hundreds join the NFL, Dr Mike, and Damar Hamlin for life-changing CPR training
During the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA last month, while hopeful professional football players tested their skills in front of an audience of scouts, a new skill was being developed on the field by the public… CPR.
As part of a nationwide effort by the American Heart Association, the league partnered up with the non-profit to train hundreds of participants in this life-saving act on 24 April.
Coached by health influencer Dr Mike Varshavski, and cheered on by American football hero Damar Hamlin, an incredible total of 1,293 people showed up to Acrisure Stadium to take part in the Guinness World Records attempt for the most people to complete CPR training in one hour.
Partially inspired by Damar Hamlin’s incredible story, the football player spoke to the audience directly about the January 2023 game where he collapsed on to the field and needed CPR and an automated external defibrillator (AED) to revive him. The incident was incredibly scary and impactful to the American public, and Damar has become a prominent advocate for CPR awareness since – especially in his hometown of Pittsburgh.
So when the NFL approached Damar about taking part in this record-breaking attempt during the 2026 Draft, the player was determined to make the day as educational as possible, offering photographs and autographs to the crowd as incentive for taking part in the event.
“It was remarkable to see Damar Hamlin taking to the stadium microphone and driving participation in real time,” said Guinness World Records Adjudicator Andrew Glass, who was witnessing the attempt.
“I’ve never seen celebrity talent at a mass participation event care so much, and it underscored his genuine investment in both the success of the attempt and the importance of teaching CPR at scale.”
Also joining Damar on the field was influencer Dr Mike, who has amassed millions of followers across his social media accounts thanks to his attainable approach to health.
Dr Mike was in charge of leading the CPR charge, instructing the sessions with high energy, and reinforcing key techniques while engaging the crowd.
At one point, he referenced the Immaculate Reception – humorously reframing the moment as an “immaculate chest compression” – as a nod to the famous NFL play involving the Pittsburgh Steelers and Franco Harris. Naturally, this resonated strongly with the crowd, and as the session continued, hundreds of inspired fans trickled into the registration booths to take part in the second lesson.
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And in addition to all the invaluable training provided on the field, the impact of the event was further reinforced by the National Football League – as they committed $1 million in AED donations to extend the life-saving potential well beyond the stadium.
The result of the event therefore was not just a record-breaking number, but a large cohort of newly trained individuals properly equipped to respond in emergencies.
Did you take part in this life-changing event? If so, purchase your customisable Record Participant Certificate in our GWR Store today, and show the world your commitment to cardiovascular health!
“I’m just so thankful for all the people that showed up to attend this event and learn CPR,” said the event organizers. “They are lifesavers!”
So congratulations to everyone that participated in this incredible attempt – you are all Officially Amazing!