Saturday, October 18, 2008

CPR to BeeGees, Verdi, or Orff

If you're going to do CPR, think BeeGees.

The Bee Gees hit Stayin' Alive has lived up to its name after researchers in the US discovered that it has almost the perfect rhythm to help jump-start a stopped heart

The Seventies disco anthem contains 103 beats per minute, just three beats more than the 100 chest compressions per minute recommdended by the American Heart Association.

Do not, however, actually SING the song while doing compressions, as it will be counter-productive to the patient and may lead to a lawsuit, notwithstanding the Good Samaritan laws.

Dr. Matthew Gilbert, a 28-year-old medical resident, was among participants in the University of Illinois study..."I heard a rumour that 'Another One Bites the Dust' works also, but it didn't seem quite as appropriate," Mr Gilbert said.

For the classically-oriented CPR administrator, try the Anvil Chorus from Verdi's Aida.

Or the In Taberna drinking-song from Carmina Burana by Orff. Come to think of it, the drinking song might be the best alternative...

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