By FireRescue1 Staff
It’s that time of year again when lights twinkle, cookies bake, and your favorite holiday tunes are on repeat. But did you know some of those festive hits could help save a life? That’s right—hidden in the jingle-jangling joy of Christmas playlists are a few lifesaving beats, perfect for performing CPR.
The heart of the matter
Each year, more than 350,000 people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, with approximately 70% of those occurring at home, according to the American Red Cross. As temperatures drop, the risk rises — cold weather increases blood pressure and heart rates, giving your ticker an unexpected workout.
When seconds count in a cardiac emergency, high-quality chest compressions are crucial. The trick? Compressing at 100–120 beats per minute (BPM). And guess what? A handful of your favorite Christmas songs hit that sweet spot.
While disco anthem “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees is the gold standard for CPR rhythm, let’s face it — when it’s snowing outside, we’d all rather hum along to something a little more festive. Health and safety experts at Direct365 have done the research, unveiling which Christmas classics can double as your CPR soundtrack.
The holly jolly playlist: Top CPR-friendly Christmas songs
Out of the top 40 Christmas songs, only 15% hit the ideal BPM range. Here are the standout tracks that could help you keep the beat — and maybe even save a life.
1. “Last Christmas” – Wham! (BPM 108)
A quintessential holiday favorite, Wham!’s 1984 hit is perfect for CPR. With over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify, chances are it’s already stuck in your head. Why not put it to good use?
2. “One More Sleep” – Leona Lewis (BPM 113)
Leona Lewis’ 2013 festive tune offers a steady beat at 113 BPM. Bonus: its cozy lyrics might just keep your spirits up during a high-stress moment.
3. “Mary’s Boy Child / Oh My Lord” – Boney M (BPM 113)
Blending gospel warmth with holiday cheer, this classic medley has been a holiday staple since the late ’70s — and at 113 BPM, it’s got rhythm to spare.
4. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” – Idina Menzel ft. Michael Bublé (BPM 113)
This duet of playful banter also doubles as a CPR metronome. With over 200 million Spotify streams, it’s an icebreaker in more ways than one.
5. “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” – Band Aid (BPM 115)
Not only is this 1984 charity anthem a heartfelt classic, but at 115 BPM, it’s also perfect for saving lives while spreading the spirit of giving.
6. “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms (BPM 119)
Clocking in at the upper edge of the CPR-friendly range, this 1957 gem is as timeless as it is toe-tapping. A billion Spotify streams can’t be wrong!
A lifesaving reminder
Whether it’s “Jingle Bell Rock” or “Last Christmas,” syncing your chest compressions to these tunes could make a world of difference. So, as you belt out your holiday favorites this season, keep in mind that your playlist could be more than a soundtrack; it could be a lifeline.
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- Included pads compatible for both adults and children
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