Television depictions of out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) frequently misrepresent the demographics of who needs it and the locations where it occurs, according to new research published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes. The analysis of 169 American scripted TV episodes aired since 2008 suggests these portrayals may contribute to real-world disparities in who receives lifesaving care.
Each year, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the U.S., and immediate CPR can double or triple survival rates. However, only about 40% of people experiencing a cardiac arrest outside a hospital receive immediate help, with even lower rates among Black and Latino adults and women. The research indicates television portrayals may inadvertently reinforce these gaps.
"We know that TV depictions of health topics can influence viewers," said senior author Beth L. Hoffman, Ph.D., M.P.H., of the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. "Considering the sheer number of people who watch TV, it's important to think of how to leverage this to improve the likelihood that people will perform CPR and save lives."
The study examined episodes that aired after 2008, the year the American Heart Association endorsed Hands-Only CPR. This method uses chest compressions only and has been shown to be as effective as conventional CPR in the critical first few minutes after cardiac arrest in teens and adults. The analysis found less than 30% of episodes accurately portrayed the correct Hands-Only CPR procedure: calling 911 and beginning chest compressions.
Significant discrepancies emerged between television fiction and reality. On screen, more than half of CPR recipients were younger than 40, while the average real-life recipient is 62 years old. Television also misrepresented locations: while over 80% of real out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home, only about 20% were portrayed this way on TV. Instead, arrests were more likely to be shown happening in remote areas (37%) or public spaces (26%).
Perhaps most critically, the analysis found that depictions commonly featured males and white adults as both recipients and providers of CPR. "It was interesting that what we saw on screen mirrored real-life disparities in CPR receipt," said first author Ore Fawole, B.S., B.A. "It could be that what is on TV is a reflection of real-life, or that what people are watching on TV reinforces implicit biases or stereotypes that contribute to lower rates of CPR receipt for women, Black adults and Latino adults."
The research highlights television's potential role as both a mirror and a shaper of public perception. While 58% of fictional cardiac arrest victims received CPR—higher than the real-world rate—the inaccuracies in portrayal matter because media consumption can influence behavior. Accurate depictions could help close care gaps. The American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative aims to turn lay rescuers into lifesavers, with a goal of doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.
"Hands-Only CPR is a simple two-step process—call 911 if you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse and then push hard and fast in the center of the chest," said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. "Because no special training or equipment is needed, anyone can provide this lifesaving measure... That's especially important because most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the home, so knowing CPR may help you save the life of someone you love." The findings suggest that more accurate television storytelling could be a powerful tool in this public health effort.
