Have you seen the latest viral dance craze since Gangnam Style? The Harlem Shake is dominating YouTube with videos from Canadian universities, comic characters, and even cute animals getting in on the action. We spotted someone trying CPR moves as part of this funny Harlem Shake video from NML on Much Music:
It looks like the folks at NML need to update their CPR training! For them, and for everyone else who experiences a cardiac emergency while Harlem Shake-ing, we thought we should provide some advice on how to properly administer CPR chest compressions (even during a viral dance video):
- Direct someone to call emergency responders or do so yourself if no one else is around.
- Kneel at the person’s side, near their chest.
- Place the heel of one hand on the sternum, which is located in the centre of the chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of your other hand.
- Bring your shoulders directly over the person’s sternum. Press downward, keeping your arms straight. Push hard and fast. For an adult, depress the sternum at least 5 cm (2 inches). Then, relax pressure completely and allow the chest to return to its normal position between compressions. Avoid interruptions in chest compressions (to prevent stoppage of blood flow).
- Do 30 chest compressions in a row, followed by two breaths. Funnily enough, compressions should go in the same rhythm of the popular BeeGees song, Stayin'; Alive, which is 103 beats per minute.
- Continue CPR until emergency responders arrive or it becomes unsafe for you to continue.