How Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ Could Help Save a Life: The Beat of Hands-Only CPR
The next time you listen to Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping hit Not Like Us, you might be doing more than just enjoying the music—you could be preparing to save a life. The American Heart Association (AHA) recently highlighted the song as an effective guide for Hands-Only CPR, thanks to its tempo of 101 beats per minute. This rhythm falls within the recommended range of 100-120 chest compressions per minute, making it a practical and memorable tool in cardiac emergencies.
The Science Behind the Beat
When a person experiences sudden cardiac arrest, immediate chest compressions can double or even triple their chances of survival. However, proper technique is crucial. The AHA has long recommended compressing at a pace of 100-120 beats per minute, ensuring that oxygen continues to circulate in the body until professional help arrives. By associating CPR with popular music, the organization hopes to make this life-saving skill more accessible and memorable for the public.
From ‘Stayin’ Alive’ to ‘Not Like Us’
For years, the Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive has been the go-to song for CPR training, thanks to its 103 beats per minute. But as music evolves, so do the tracks that can help people remember the correct compression rhythm. Alongside Lamar’s Not Like Us, other contemporary songs like Beyoncé’s Texas Hold ‘Em (110 BPM) and Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club (107 BPM) also fit the criteria for effective CPR timing.
“By integrating well-known songs into CPR education, we make it easier for people to recall the correct technique in high-stress situations,” said an AHA spokesperson. “Music has a powerful impact on memory and can be a crucial tool in teaching life-saving skills.”
A Beat That Can Save Lives
Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death worldwide, but timely intervention with CPR can significantly improve survival rates. The challenge, however, is that many bystanders hesitate to act, either due to a lack of training or fear of performing CPR incorrectly. Using popular songs as a guide simplifies the process and builds confidence in potential rescuers.
The AHA continues to advocate for Hands-Only CPR awareness, emphasizing that anyone—regardless of medical background—can make a difference. Their message is clear: If you see someone collapse unexpectedly, call emergency services and begin chest compressions to the beat of a familiar tune.
Making CPR a Part of Pop Culture
The integration of CPR with music is more than a teaching tool; it’s a movement toward public awareness and preparedness. With songs like Not Like Us capturing global attention, the conversation around CPR training gains a fresh and modern appeal.
Whether through classic disco hits or today’s rap anthems, the goal remains the same: empowering more people to act in an emergency. So, the next time Not Like Us comes on, remember—it’s more than just a hit song. It’s a beat that could help save a life.
