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= Paid-up subscribersIs music an effective training aid for CPR?
16 Dec 2011
Listening to repeated choruses of Disco Science can improve the rate of chest compressions in subjects carrying out cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) but does not help to achieve the correct depth of compressions, a study has found. Dr Peter Savill reviewed the paper: 'Significantly more delegates maintained compressions within the optimal range of 100 to 120 compressions a minute when listening to Disco Science than when listening to Achy Breaky Heart (82% vs 64%, p=0.07). Achy Breaky was no better than no music (64% vs 65%). However, compressions were still too shallow irrespective of the background music; 39% at the correct depth with Disco Science, 43% with Achy Breaky and 42% with no music. Furthermore, incorrect hand positioning was rife and seen in up to two thirds of delegates. The authors were therefore unconvinced that music provides any benefit in improving the quality of CPR compared with a metronome or audible feedback. Time to abandon iPod augmented CPR then!'
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