Tag Archives: cardiopulmonary resuscitation

The Kiss of Life is Passe

By doctor2008 on | Leave a comment

Just in case you haven’t noticed, the latest recommendations for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) introduced since 2010 does not require the rescuer (read passerby) to do the infamous kiss of life.

I had alluded to this in an earlier posting “Staying Alive – To Stay Alive”.

Take a look at this video to see how its done:

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Staying Alive – To Stay Alive!

By doctor2008 on | 4 Comments

New guidelines have been introduced for CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)  which make them more user-friendly. Now everyone can apply!

The new guidelines introduced by the AHA this month essentially place more emphasis on chest compressions being the most important component of the triad (Airway, Breathing, Compression). For untrained bystanders, they need no longer hesitate about giving the ‘kiss of life’; they need only concentrate on the ‘C‘ until the medics arrive. Take a look at how its done:

Again, there’s mention of that Bee Gees hit Staying Alive because the tempo of the song (103 beats per minute) is similar to the speed of the chest compressions that the bystander needs to do on the collapsed person. (I know, try humming this song when chances are you are in a state of stress). In case 70s music is not your cup of tea, try Queen’s “Another One Bites The Dust” although this song has a rather inappropriate title!

Just one word of warning – not all people who collapse on the street have a heart attack. There’s a lot of other causes, ranging from a simple faint to an epileptic fit to a drunk stupor. Then what? I too am waiting for the AHA to issue guidelines on this..

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‘Staying Alive’ – to stay alive

By doctor2008 on | Leave a comment

Heard of the Bee Gees hit “Staying Alive”? When the pop group launched their disco classic in 1977,  little did they realise that it would be the theme for thousands of medics to hum along as they performed the life-saving procedure known as CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation). How come?  Well, the pulsating rhythm of the song is at 103 beats per minute, which is close to the recommended 100 beats/min that the medics need to do in terms of the speed of chest compressions.

First, view this to appreciate the rhythm and the nostalgia of the disco hey-days:

Now, take a look at how its done, courtesy of CNN, by clicking the red button:

Vodpod videos no longer available.

I would strongly recommend every lay-person learn basic CPR as the next time somebody has a cardiac arrest (it can happen anytime!), CPR can triple the survival rate.

For those who have already learnt, do note that the recent recommendations that were introduced a few years back now suggest 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths.

Or, for those who don’t like the Bee Gees and prefer rock, I would suggest this alternative “Another One Bites The Dust” by the Queen, although the title isn’t too appropriate!

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