DENVER — Feb. 24, 2026 — 9-1-1 telecommunicators are often the first point of contact in the chain of survival, and their ability to quickly recognize cardiac arrest and deliver CPR instructions can significantly increase survival rates. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, is working to expand Telecommunicator CPR (T-CPR) training throughout Colorado. Through its Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, the Association aims to ensure that in a cardiac emergency, anyone, anywhere is prepared and empowered to provide CPR when it matters most.
Denver 9-1-1 and Denver Health and Hospital Authority’s Paramedic Division have launched T-CPR training for emergency call takers using RQI Telecommunicator CPR, a program co-developed by the American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical. This specialized, digital training program designed for emergency telecommunicators to improve out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates officially began on Feb. 2, 2026, in recognition of American Heart Month.
Denver is emerging as a statewide leader by advancing T‑CPR training in the absence of formal state or county requirements, demonstrating a proactive commitment to ensuring residents receive consistent, lifesaving guidance during cardiac emergencies. With support from BNSF Railway, T-CPR education for Denver 9-1-1 call takers is the first step to educating telecommunicators statewide.
“Early, high-quality CPR saves lives, and that process begins the moment a 9-1-1 call is answered,” said Dr. Shea Gilliam, EMS Medical Director for the Denver Department of Public Safety and a member of the American Heart Association’s Colorado Nation of Lifesavers Committee. “By equipping telecommunicators with this training, we are empowering them to guide callers through the most crucial moments of a cardiac arrest and better serve the people of Denver.”
The T-CPR education initiative aims to improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by ensuring rapid, accurate, and effective CPR instructions are delivered over the phone. Training focuses on:
- Rapid recognition of cardiac arrest through standardized assessment tools
- Clear, direct CPR instructions that callers can follow under stress
- Reducing delays so CPR can begin within seconds
- Improving caller confidence, helping them act decisively
- Consistency across jurisdictions, supporting broader statewide adoption
The implementation in Denver serves as a model for future expansion across Colorado, helping more communities strengthen their emergency response to cardiac arrest.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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