Three labor and delivery nurses from Texas, Julie Watson, Nicole Curry, and Alyssa Gonzalez, have found a unique way to use Sabrina Carpenter’s hit song “Please Please Please” to guide chest compressions during CPR. In a viral TikTok video, Curry captures Watson performing compressions to Gonzalez’s rendition of the song during their routine CPR training. They explain that they discovered the song’s rhythm works well for CPR while completing Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) training. The mannequin they practiced on did not correct them, indicating that the song’s beats were effective in guiding the compressions.
Their TikTok video quickly gained attention on the social media platform, with hundreds of users expressing gratitude for the nurses’ innovative approach to using CPR during emergencies. Gonzalez noted that the song can help people stay on beat during CPR until paramedics arrive, making it a helpful tool even outside a hospital setting. The nurses hope their video will educate others on the critical importance of life-saving skills and how using the right rhythm can make a difference in a medical emergency.
After “Please Please Please” debuted, the American Heart Association (AHA) declared that the song’s beats are suitable for performing hands-only CPR. The organization highlighted the importance of learning Hands-Only CPR, which involves continuously performing chest compressions without rescue breaths. The AHA has previously advised using songs with a tempo of 100 to 120 beats per minute to guide the rhythm of chest compressions. Popular tracks like “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z, “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira, and “The Man” by Taylor Swift also match the CPR rhythm.
Season 5 of “The Office” famously featured the cast learning CPR to the tune of “Stayin’ Alive,” showcasing how music can be an effective tool in teaching life-saving skills. The use of songs with the right tempo can help individuals maintain the correct rhythm during CPR, increasing the effectiveness of chest compressions. Curry, Watson, and Gonzalez’s use of “Please Please Please” highlights how innovative approaches can make learning CPR more engaging and memorable. By incorporating music into training, they are not only educating others but also potentially encouraging more people to learn these essential skills.
The nurses’ creative use of Sabrina Carpenter’s song serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared to respond to medical emergencies. By sharing their experience on TikTok and showcasing how music can guide CPR compressions, they are helping to spread awareness about the potential life-saving impact of hands-only CPR. As the AHA and other organizations continue to promote the use of music to guide CPR rhythm, more individuals may be motivated to learn these critical skills. Curry, Watson, and Gonzalez’s video is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in making life-saving techniques more accessible and engaging for all.