CPR Training Video Helps Rescuers Keep the Beat

The American Heart Association (AHA; Dallas, TX, USA) has released a one-minute cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) video that increases a victim's chance of survival.

Developed with funding from the Anthem Foundation (Los Angeles, CA, USA), the new Hands-Only CPR music-based training video is designed to showcase the simplicity and lifesaving benefits of compression-only CPR. Viewers will learn the two simple steps to Hands-Only CPR: call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the rate of at least 100 beats per minute, the beat of the Bee Gees' classic hit "Stayin' Alive.” The video features the a-capella group Street Corner Symphony (Nashville, TN, USA) harmonizing to the iconic song.

“Music has been a fundamental tool with which AHA educates people on the rhythm needed to save a life with Hands-Only CPR, at least 100 beats per minute,” said Alson Inaba, MD, who came up with the concept of using "Stayin' Alive" to teach and remember the proper rate of chest compressions. “With the rising popularity of a-capella music, we're thrilled that Street Corner Symphony has helped us create a dynamic and memorable video that will help more people confidently take action in an emergency.”

“Cardiac arrest remains a leading cause of death in the United States, and survival depends on immediately receiving CPR from someone nearby,” said Prof. Robert Neumar, MD, PhD, chair of the AHA emergency cardiovascular care committee. “With every minute that goes by without intervention, survival rates drop as much as 10%. That's a staggering statistic AHA is looking to change by arming everyone with the lifesaving skill of CPR.”

“Every year, more than 300,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital, and failure to act in a cardiac emergency can lead to unnecessary death,” said Sam Nussbaum, MD, chief medical officer for Anthem. “Effective bystander CPR provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest can double or even triple chances of survival. That's why for the past three years, we've been working closely with the American Heart Association to help educate people about Hands Only CPR.”

Related Links:
American Heart Association
Anthem Foundation
Street Corner Symphony