ECC Beat 7/10/2026

Could a Smart Wristband Help Detect Cardiac Arrest?
Recent Study Shows Promising Results

A recent study published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology suggests that wearable technology may one day help improve survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Researchers in the Netherlands found that an algorithm-based wristband that continuously monitors blood flow detected cardiac arrest events with 92% accuracy, including 100% of ventricular fibrillation cases. The device uses light-based sensors similar to those found in many smartwatches and could potentially serve as a “digital witness” by automatically alerting emergency dispatchers or nearby responders when cardiac arrest is detected. While the findings are promising, researchers note that additional studies are needed to evaluate the technology’s performance in real-world settings. If validated, this innovation could help reduce response times and increase the chances of survival for people experiencing cardiac arrest outside the hospital. Access the full article for more information about the study surrounding this exciting technology.

Weeks after her cardiac arrest, preschool teacher Elizabeth Jackson joined the 2024 American Heart Association
Heart Walk in Richmond, Virginia.

Saved by CPR, Inspired by a Second Chance

When 61-year-old preschool teacher Elizabeth Jackson suffered a cardiac arrest while watching a movie with her family, her 17-year-old granddaughter, Madison, immediately recognized the signs. Having recently learned CPR in school, Madison called 911 and began chest compressions until emergency responders arrived. Her quick actions helped save Elizabeth’s life and underscored the vital importance of CPR training.

After weeks of recovery, including receiving an implanted defibrillator and relearning everyday tasks, Elizabeth gradually regained her confidence and returned to teaching full time. Today, she shares her story to encourage others to learn CPR and take heart health seriously. “CPR saves lives,” Elizabeth says. “I have a second chance at life, and I’m moving forward.”

Updated Revoked Instructor List and Training Site List Now Available

The American Heart Association Revoked Instructor List and the American Heart Association Training Site List have been updated and are now available on Atlas (login required) under Training Resources>Tools & Resources. 

These lists are important resources for all Association Training Centers and Training Sites and are intended to support alignment decisions within the Training Network. We strongly encourage you to review them regularly:

• The Revoked Instructor List includes individuals whose Instructor status has been revoked and who are no longer authorized to claim Instructor status, align with a Training Center, or issue Association course completion cards.

• The Training Site List identifies sites whose alignment has been removed by Training Centers and should not be re-aligned.

To learn more about the Instructor revocation process and reasons for revocation, please refer to the Instructor Alignment section of the Program Administration Manual (PAM) on Atlas (login required).

The Association remains committed to maintaining the highest standards in CPR training. These updates are part of our ongoing efforts to uphold the quality and integrity of our programs.

If you have any questions, please contact our Compliance Team at complianceadmin@heart.org.