Good Samaritan Laws encourage bystanders to intervene right on the scene in case of a sudden cardiac arrest accident and provide CPR when needed. However, matching the beat to save a life is not an easy task. Rescuers or bystanders often find the entire act intimidating for fear of losing rhythm and further complicating the victim’s state.
AHA and other cardiac organizations identified these issues and provided practical methods that ensure the bystanders keep up the rhythms of resuscitation. We will review the three types of CPR and how to keep up the rhythm effectively. We’ll help you feel more confident in your skills and offer help whenever possible to save a life.
Chest Compressions, Suggested Rate, and More
Before diving into the methods of keeping up with the rhythm, let’s discuss chest compressions and suggested rates. The American Heart Association (AHA) had a recommended chest compression rate of 80-100 per minute and 120 chest compressions per minute for infants back in 1992. Additionally, rescuers had to perform rescue breaths after 15 compressions.
However, many studies found that the patients were short in compressions which decreased the chances of survival, and the methods were ineffective. Therefore, AHA established new guidelines regarding CPR and chest compressions.
All victims of sudden cardiac arrest should receive 100-120 chest compressions per minute – regardless of age. Furthermore, you should give the rescue breaths after the 30th compression to avoid frequent interruptions between the compressions.
The person providing CPR must follow the guidelines and ensure the victim appropriately receives the necessary help. However, one of the greatest challenges when providing CPR to a victim is being confident in your skills or keeping up the rhythm.
Methods to Help Keep up the Resuscitation Rhythm
Providing 100-120 chest compressions per minute refers to the speed of compressions. You should not aim to give 100 chest compressions in a minute because you may unintentionally hurt the victim.
The victim needs 30 uninterrupted chest compressions, so you have to push hard, fearlessly, and fast. After the 30th compression, you can provide the rescue breath and proceed with another round of compressions until the EMS arrives.
Try one of the methods below to help you keep up with the rhythms of resuscitation.
Traditional Method
The traditional method suggests pushing hard and fast to reach 100-120 compressions per minute by counting out loud: One, two, three, four, etc., up to thirty. This will help you maintain the rhythm and the recommended speed.
Remember that once you push, you’ll need to allow the chest to rise before pushing again. Practice this to get your hands used to the method, and your rhythm will become steady and effective.
Try Out Metronomes
Metronomes are one of the most accurate methods to keep up with the beat. They were predominantly used in hospitals or training centers to install the rhythm in candidates and keep up with the practice.
Metronomes also help with the ventilation rate because you give rescue breaths at the same rhythm. However, it’s highly important that you pay attention to the depth of the compressions because the depth is determined according to the size of the body.
Since finding a metronome around in case of cardiac arrest is less than likely, we suggest using the Automated External Defibrillators. These devices have an embedded metronome that beeps to help the CPR provider maintain accurate speed. AEDs also help with chest compressions as they monitor the situation entirely and can direct the rescuer on further steps.
Sing a Song
You may find this odd if you’ve never taken a CPR class, but singing while you perform CPR effectively helps maintain the correct rhythm. Certified CPR instructors usually introduce Staying Alive by Bee Gees. The song tempo matches the preliminary 100 beats per minute, which we all aim to achieve when helping an SCA victim.
There are also many other songs that can fit within the range of 100 to 120 beats per minute. For example, the popular Queen’s song Another One Bites the Dust reaches 110 beats per minute, which is in the middle of the recommended range. To perform CPR on infants, play and follow the rhythm of Lady Gaga’s Just Dance.
These were only a few songs matching the CPR rhythm that can help save a life. There are many other rhythms of resuscitation found in classic hit songs, as detailed in the list below.
Playlist for the Rhythms of Resuscitation
The safest way to keep up the rhythm is to start singing the song you know. Below is a list of songs recommended for CPR so anyone can find their favorite song or at least the one they know.
- Survivor: Eye of the Tiger – 109 beats per minute. Best recommended for adult CPR.
- Spice Girls: Wannabe – 110 beats per minute. Best recommended for adult CPR.
- Natasha Bedingfield: Pocketful of Sunshine – 110 beats per minute. Best recommended for adult CPR.
- Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive – 117 beats per minute. Best recommended for adult and pediatric CPR.
- Kelly Clarkson: Stronger – 116 beats per minute. Best recommended for adult and pediatric CPR.
- Abba: Dancing Queen – 101 beats per minute. Best recommended for adult CPR.
- Cyndi Lauper: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – 120 beats per minute. Best recommended for child and infant CPR.
- Adele: Rumour Has It – 120 beats per minute.Best recommended for pediatric CPR.
- Shakira: Hips Don’t Lie – 100 beats per minute. Best recommended for adult CPR.
- Michael Jackson: Man in the Mirror – 100 beats per minute. Best recommended for adult CPR.
Still Have Troubles with Rhythms of Resuscitation?
If you’re still struggling to maintain the rhythm of resuscitation, you need to get back to the training center and renew your certificate. CPR certificates have an expiration date and need to be regularly renewed. This is especially important for people who need the certificate for work. Mind that if your certificate is past due, it is not valid, and you are required to renew it. CPR certificates last about 2 years, depending on the provider.
Renewing CPR certificates is a highly productive rule ensuring rescuers are familiar with the latest CPR updates and best practices. CPR techniques are reviewed every 5 years, and every revision brings about improvement in the CPR methods.
If you have never attended CPR classes before in your life, this is your chance to find the best options.
Get the Best CPR Classes in Louisville
Finding the best CPR provider in Louisville may be difficult, but it is not impossible. CPR Certification organizations in Louisville conduct CPR classes in specialized training centers. The instructors must be licensed and experienced, ensuring you will learn the skills and best practices during the curriculums.
Another reason to look for reliable and professional training centers in Louisville is the chance to practice your skills on a mannequin and get feedback from your instructor. Compared to the popular online classes, on-site training turns out to be more productive and effective due to the type of exercises.
Matching the Beat to Save a Life in Louisville
AHA introduced many methods of keeping up with the rhythm of resuscitation. From counting to metronomes and song singing – all efforts are made to help rescuers improve their skills and their confidence.
Song singing during chest compressions is one of the most accurate ways to ensure that the rhythm is correct. Use the created CPR playlist containing classic music hits everyone knows to save a life. If you are unsure about a song, just consult with your instructor during the CPR training.