Awareness and First Aid

ER24 experts are trained in advanced life support techniques, but bystander CPR can be the difference between life and death before expert help arrives on scene.

Signs that someone needs CPR

  • Unresponsiveness
  • Irregular, gasping breaths or no breaths
  • No pulse

“It’s always better to start unnecessary chest compressions than wait for confirmation that it is needed,” says Leslie-Ann van Zyl, an Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP) at ER24 George.

How to perform CPR

  • Place the palm of your one hand in the centre of the patient’s chest
  • Place your other hand on top of the first hand
  • Straighten your arms and position your upper body over your hands 
  • Push down on the chest to a depth of at least 5cm
  • Push hard and push fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute (two per second)
  • Don’t stop until help arrives.

If you’re in a public space like a shopping mall or office block, ask someone to find the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED). These machines are safe and simple to use.  

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Get into the rhythm with CPR songs

The guideline of 100–120 chest compressions per minute isn’t random. Studies show this speed works best to keep blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs during a cardiac arrest. “If you go too slow, not enough blood circulates. If you go too fast, compressions are shallower and less effective,” says Van Zyl.

Singing a familiar song at the right pace can help you keep a steady rhythm. “It can also help you stay calm and consistent when helping someone in an emergency,” she adds.

Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees
The classic choice for CPR training. Its beat matches the ideal compression rate, and the words remind you what you’re trying to do.

Baby Shark – Pinkfong
Catchy and fun, this song helps you keep a steady rhythm, even when pressure is on.

Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
With a tempo around 120 BPM and motivating lyrics, this song is perfect for pacing compressions.

Every Breath You Take – The Police
Easy to follow and steady; the rhythm makes it a good choice for consistent compressions.

Managing the psychological aspects of CPR

These songs might seem to be a bit playful for such a serious situation, but ER24 experts say that anything that helps you stay steady and focused can make a difference.[IV1]   

“Performing CPR is physically and emotionally demanding,” says Van Zyl. She adds that it’s normal to experience:

  • Fatigue. Switch with another bystander every few minutes if possible
  • Anxiety. Focus on the rhythm – the music helps
  • Uncertainty. Continue until ER24 arrives.

Whichever track you choose, always call 084 124 for real help, real fast.

Or maybe we should rather say: These songs might be a bit playful for such a serious situation, but ER24 experts agrees if it helps you stay calm, it’s useful./ but ER24 experts say that anything helping you stay steady and focused can make a difference.

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