Elton John once said that “music has healing power”, and while he was likely referencing emotional wellbeing, here at WEL Medical, we think it can have practical applications too. We’re passionate supporters of broadening the appeal and uptake of CPR training, whether that’s in schools, through social media or in community training sessions. That’s why we understand the vital role that music can play in supporting people’s learning and retention of Basic Life Support, specifically CPR.
So, in this article, we’re going to investigate what it is that makes music such a powerful tool in obtaining and retaining CPR skills while looking into ways charities such as the British Heart Foundation are utilising music to expand BLS training uptake. We’ll also take the time to break down 10 songs that help with CPR training so that you can grab a manikin or even a pillow and have a go yourself!
Music as a CPR Training Tool
Music has long been identified as an effective way for learners to access and retain CPR skills. Stories of the Bee Gees classic “Stayin’ Alive” supporting someone to perform accurately timed CPR compressions and thereby saving lives have become part of the DNA of the BLS and CPR training sphere. While this may sound like an exaggeration or urban myth, a 2021 review published in Cureus Journal of Medical Science found that using songs as learning tools for CPR competencies is actually clinically effective.
The research included 185 studies internationally and rated critical outcomes based on compression depth and regularity from cohorts that either had or had not been taught CPR alongside a pooled song group. The findings showed that, from an educational perspective, there is intrinsic value to the introduction and use of songs for the purpose of narrowing the deviation from recommended depth and regularity of compressions. The review went on to advise educators to select songs of approximately 110 beats per minute (bpm) that, crucially, resonate and are memorable with their learners.
The BHF Lifesaving Beats
As one of the leading cardiovascular charities in the country, the BHF are also aware of the impact of music on CPR training. They launched their ‘Lifesaving Beats’ campaign in partnership with Spotify, which was powered by their RevivR training tool.
The scheme encouraged listeners to learn CPR in just 15 minutes by listening to their favourite songs that fall between 100 and 120 bpm. Users can build their own lifesaving playlists and subscribe to others’ playlists consisting of songs from across the decades.
Image Source: Creative Salon
Top 10 Songs to Help You Perform CPR
So, now that we’ve covered the ways in which music can support learners in accessing and retaining BLS skills, let’s break down some of the music that works great with CPR training. Each of these songs falls between 100-120 bpm, making them perfect for learning CPR!
10. Praise You – Fatboy Slim
Kicking off our list is this 1999 classic from Norman Cook, better known by his stage name Fatboy Slim. With its simple, memorable structure and uplifting lyrics, it’s a shoo-in for our top 10 songs that help with CPR training.
9. Music For a Sushi Restaurant – Harry Styles
Featuring on Harry Styles’ 2022 album Harry’s House, this off-beat track merges funk, R&B and pop to layer an infectious rhythm that’s bound to keep your CPR compressions in time.
8. Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) – Kate Bush
Originally released in 1985, this anthemic new wave single went viral after being featured in Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things. Its transitional melodies and driving rhythm caught the public mood and at 108bpm, it’s the perfect beat for CPR.
7. Spring – Vivaldi
For a touch of tradition, we included this famous movement from Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Its memorable and intricate melodies are said to represent birdsong and flowing streams and make for a joyful and uplifting piece of music that works great with CPR training.
6. Crazy In Love – Beyonce & JAY-Z
This single from Beyonce’s 2003 album Dangerously in Love reached number one and stayed there for eight consecutive weeks. As one of the most famous tracks of the early 2000s and for its unforgettable rhythm, it comes in at six on our list of the top 10 songs that help with CPR training.
5. Walk This Way – Aerosmith & Run-DMC
A re-release of the classic rock song from Aerosmith, this iteration features a drum machine and samplers to give it a distinctive rhythm which, along with its memorable lead guitar riff, makes it a great entry on our list of CPR training songs.
4. Flowers – Miley Cyrus
The most recent entry on our rundown of music that works great with CPR training, this single debuted at number one on the Hot 100 list. Its catchy melody and lyrics, along with its clean, carefully co-ordinated beat, make it a clear choice for us.
3. Superstition – Stevie Wonder
Featuring perhaps the most famous drum introduction of all time, this classic 1972 soul hit unarguably has an unforgettable beat. At 100 bpm, it’s a great tempo to practice CPR to and is sure to stick in the mind of anyone learning.
2. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
For its uplifting and defiant lyrics as well as its catchy rhythm section and 117bpm drum line, this classic disco track from 1978 is a must-have for any list of 10 songs to help you perform CPR.
1. Stayin’ Alive – The Bee Gees
What else could it be but this 1977 classic to round off our list of top 10 songs that help with CPR training? The BHF worked with Vinnie Jones to launch their famous TV advert which encouraged bystanders to use the song to learn CPR, catapulting it to pride of place as the most famous song for BLS training.
Image Source: British Heart Foundation
Maximise your CPR Training with State-of-the-Art Equipment
To really make the most of your CPR and BLS training, you need to make sure you’re carrying it out on the best possible equipment. In our shop, we stock the highest quality CPR training manikins, including the internationally renowned Brayden range, as well as useful accessories and consumables.
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