I've booked myself in for a refresher in CPR this week which is a skill that I think everyone over the age of 16 should have. I must admit to having a vested interest, having already needed coronary stents and then a double bye-pass before the age of 60 - and I live a healthy life! The experts tell us that for those who have a heart attack away from a hospital, the earlier CPR starts the more likely that the patient will eventually leave hospital.
But CPR isn't just jumping on someone who's collapsed and starting to heave up and down on their chest. It is critical that if it is to be effective then the rate must be correct and the depth of compression must be consistent and effective too if it is to do any good.
For some time music has been thought to be a great adjunct in getting the timing right, but should you chose "Staying' Alive" by the Bee Gees, or if you're from the UK, then "Nellie the Elephant" seems to be the ditty of choice!
Unfortunately, the experts now tell us that whilst the music might help keep you in time, it doesn't help with the correct depth of compression, so it's back to the drawing board - or should I say, the studio!
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