Our mission is simple—join us to make a difference.
To provide a platform for citizens, supporters, and community stakeholders to improve outcomes for sudden cardiac arrest victims through empowering education, widespread distribution of defibrillators in public locations, and activation of citizen first responders to confidently and capably provide early care when needed. Learn more and get involved.
Our Impact This Year
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People Trained
30,000+
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Hospitals and EMS Agencies Served
200+
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Sudden Cardiac Arrest Save Rate - over 3x the national average
30%
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Defibrillators Owned and Managed
125+
You can help us make a dent by getting involved.
A Heartfelt Goodbye to Dr. Morton Mower
Starting Hearts has lost a dear friend and a much loved Vail Valley community icon. As the co-inventor of the Automatic Implantable Defibrillator, his invention helps countless heart patients enjoy longer and healthier lives. Dr. Mower was an esteemed Advisory Board member and played a big part of our SH family. He will be sorely missed. Read and view more about him here: Dr. Morton Mower's Dedication to Life

Latest News
There is a direct correlation between sudden cardiac arrest and heart arrhythmias like Atrial Fibrillation. Learn more about AFib and how to address this potentially devastating heart disease.
Many people have questions about how to use an AED when someone around them has had a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Using an AED in conjunction with timely CPR can significantly increase survival rates in individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
SCA is defined as the sudden and unexpected loss of a regular heart rhythm that immediately results in collapse and loss of consciousness. SCA in young people, while rare, is the No. 1 cause of death in young sports players in the US. Approximately 2000 youth under 25 years old die of SCA a year.
Hear the impact firsthand from one of our class attendees.
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Unmatched expertise.
Having been in the military and worked a number of jobs requiring this certification, I am well versed in the diversity and comprehensiveness of training offered in such programs. Let me just say, this was by far the best, most practical and knowledge-laden version of training I had ever received. The real-world expertise of the trainers, Mare and Bob, led to a vibrant and productive discussion. Every one of us left feeling more comfortable about making the call to 911, but also handling a variety of situations until expert help arrives. Thank you Starting Hearts for all you do to equip our valley through equipment, knowledge, and awareness.
-Aja Vogelman