A cross-sectional study in a Chinese tertiary rehabilitation hospital in June 2024 included 372 health workers (93.9% response rate) who completed a questionnaire on CPR knowledge and willingness according to the HBM and TAM models. The mean CPR knowledge score was 62.45 ± 15.73 (range 28–94), below the American Heart Association's 80-point threshold. Staff in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (75.62 ± 12.45) and pediatric rehabilitation (68.34 ± 13.56) had the highest scores, with differences by title (P < 0.001) and department (P < 0.001). Independently associated factors were degree (β = 0.324, P < 0.001), department type (β = 0.287, P < 0.001), years of experience (β = 0.156, P = 0.012), and recent CPR training (β = 0.134, P = 0.001). Despite the gaps, 91.4% recognized the necessity of training and 83.2% willingness to participate, with 89.5% preferring simulation. The main obstacles were workload (78.5%) and scheduling conflicts (65.3%). The study recommends specific training for departments, including simulations, micro-learning modules and age-appropriate protocols.