Via CNN, we learn an interesting little factoid: the 103 beats per minute rhythm of the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive”, and its catchy, memorable tune, can be used by CPR practitioners to properly time their chest compressions!
A small study done by The University of Illinois medical school found that doctors and students maintained close to the optimal 100 compressions per minute while listening to the Bee Gees’ classic hit.
Most ridiculous quote in the article? “I don’t know how the Bee Gees knew this,” Nadkarni said. “They probably didn’t. But they just hit upon this natural rhythm that was very catchy, very popular, that helps us do the right thing.”
Emphasis mine. They probably didn’t? What, you think that they designed the song as a CPR tool, and just didn’t tell anyone?
The money quote in the article is at the conclusion, from one of the study’s participants, Dr. Gilbert:
Also, Gilbert said he’s not really a disco fan.
He does happen to like a certain Queen song with a similar beat.
“I heard a rumor that ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ works also, but it didn’t seem quite as appropriate,” Gilbert said.
