CERP
During a cardiac emergency, a well-developed plan is essential for the best outcome.
Join the Nation of Lifesavers and be prepared to act in an emergency.

Only about 40% of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive the immediate help that they need before professional help arrives. When a person has a cardiac arrest, survival depends on immediately receiving CPR from someone nearby.
The American Heart Association Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) is a written document that establishes the specific steps to reduce death from cardiac arrest in any setting – be it a school, community organization, workplace, or sports facility.
Be prepared to act in an emergency with these simple steps:
Looking for support to implement a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan?
Find detailed guidance in our CERP Protocol document (PDF)
CERP Resources
- AED Monthly Monitoring Checklist (DOCX)
- Annual CERP Evaluation (DOCX)
- Annual Review of CERP Drills (DOCX)
- Building AED Location Form (DOCX)
- Cardiac Emergency Response Plan and Protocol (PDF)
- CERP Banner Community (PDF)
- CERP Checklist (PDF)
- CERP Drill and Evaluation (PDF)
- CERP Editable Template Guide (PDF)
- CERP Fact Sheet NOL Community (PDF)
- CERP Implementation Guide (PDF)
- CERP Infographic Community (PDF)
- CERP Planning Checklist (PDF)
- CERP Post Event Debrief Form (DOCX)
- CERP PPT Community (PPTX)
- CERP Services Flyer schools (PDF)
- CERP social posts Community (PDF)
- CERP Team Roster (PDF)
- CERP update overview list (XLSX)
- CERP FAQ Community (PDF)
- Developing Cardiac Emergency Response Team (PDF)
- Sample Timeline for CERP Action Steps (XLSX)
- Simplified BLS (PDF)
- Download all CERP Resource documents (ZIP)
AED Information & Implementation Resources
You Have the Power to Restart a Heart. We Can Show You How.
The American Heart Association, in collaboration with Project ADAM and Parent Heart Watch, proudly support CERP preparation.