Devil Wears Prada Sequel Gets CPR Wrong; Heart Association Sets Record Straight

The American Heart Association is calling out the fictional portrayal of CPR in the newly released sequel to "The Devil Wears Prada," where a party guest attempts Hands-Only CPR on the character Irv Ravitz, but fails to call 9-1-1 and performs unrealistic compressions. In a dramatic scene, the film shows no one dialing emergency services, and the compressions are ineffective, which the Association warns could normalize dangerous hesitation in real-life cardiac emergencies. Dr. Stacey E. Rosen, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, emphasizes that Hands-Only CPR is simple and effective, requiring only two steps: call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of a song with 100-120 beats per minute, such as "RUNWAY" by Lady Gaga and Doechii, a cameo in the film.

The American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers campaign aims to educate the public on proper CPR techniques, countering the misleading depictions often seen in movies and TV shows. A recent study found that CPR is frequently misrepresented in scripted television, which can create confusion and delay life-saving actions. The Association, identified as the most trusted public health information source by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, offers resources to learn Hands-Only CPR online or through training centers. The organization stresses that every minute without high-quality CPR reduces survival chances, and accurate portrayal in media is crucial to encourage immediate bystander action.

This news release serves as a spoiler alert for fans of the franchise, but its core message is about the critical importance of correct CPR. The American Heart Association provides additional resources, including downloadable video B-roll and infographics, on their newsroom site. By addressing the mistakes in the film, the Association hopes to turn a pop culture moment into an opportunity to save lives, reminding everyone that when someone collapses, hesitation can be fatal, but two simple steps can make all the difference.