A Second Chance.
A Mission to Save More Lives.
When Sudden Cardiac Arrest occurs, every second counts. Starting Hearts equips everyday people with the practical knowledge, confidence, and tools to step forward and take decisive, lifesaving action.
The moment that sparked a movement
A Second Chance Became a Mission
In 2007, founder Lynn Blake suffered Sudden Cardiac Arrest without warning. Her heart stopped, and her life hung in the balance.
Fortunately, those around her didn't freeze. Bystanders recognized the emergency, immediately called 911, and initiated chest compressions to keep oxygen flowing to vital organs. First responders arrived promptly and delivered a defibrillating shock that restarted her heart.
That lifesaving chain of response gave Lynn a second chance at life — and ignited a deep determination to ensure everyone has that same fighting chance.
Someone nearby knew what to do. Because they took immediate action, a life continued. Starting Hearts exists so that wherever a cardiac emergency happens, there is someone ready to act.
We Turn Bystanders into Lifesavers
Our work bridges the critical minutes between a cardiac emergency and professional emergency medical arrival.
Teach
Provide clear, accessible CPR and AED education that eliminates hesitation and gives individuals of all ages the practical confidence to act decisively in an emergency.
Equip
Expand community access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in schools, workplaces, and public spaces, ensuring lifesaving devices are readily available when seconds matter.
Mobilize
Cultivate a proactive culture of safety and community resilience by uniting volunteers, local organizations, and educators into a broad network of capable responders.
When a Heart Stops, the People Nearby Matter First.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is an abrupt electrical malfunction of the heart that causes it to cease beating instantly. It strikes without warning, in homes, offices, sports fields, and public streets.
Even the fastest emergency services take precious minutes to arrive. In those initial minutes, the survival of a parent, coworker, neighbor, or stranger depends entirely on the actions of the people already standing next to them.
By replacing panic with straightforward, muscle-memory steps, everyday citizens become the first critical link in the chain of survival.
Three Actions. One Lifesaving Response.
Starting Hearts champions the CALL.PUSH.SHOCK.™ curriculum — an intuitive, easy-to-remember protocol designed so anyone can act immediately without second-guessing.
CALL.
Immediately call 911 or direct someone nearby to make the call. Alert professional emergency medical personnel so help is en route without delay.
PUSH.
Place hands in the center of the chest and push hard and fast. Continuous chest compressions maintain vital blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain and heart.
SHOCK.
Retrieve and turn on the nearest Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Follow the clear voice prompts; the device will only deliver a shock if an abnormal rhythm is detected.
Prepared People Create Stronger Communities
Our programs reach beyond the traditional classroom. We bring lifesaving instruction directly to where people live, learn, and work.
READY TO CALL.READY TO PUSH.READY TO SHOCK.
Starting Hearts' impact is not merely counted in training hours or distributed equipment. It is defined in the decisive moment when an everyday person recognizes a cardiac arrest emergency and chooses to step forward.
Working Together to Save More Lives
Be Ready to Save a Life.
The next lifesaving response begins with an ordinary person who took the time to learn what to do. Join thousands of individuals, educators, and community members across Colorado and beyond.