Bad Bunny Joins the CPR Playlist
Medscape
Last updated: June 15, 2026
The American Heart Association (AHA) has updated its recommendations for songs suitable for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), moving beyond classic hits to include contemporary music that resonates with younger generations. This shift aims to improve the effectiveness of hands-only CPR by ensuring rescuers maintain the correct compression rate of 100-120 beats per minute.
- Bad Bunny's song "Tití me preguntó," with a tempo of 107 beats/min, is now recommended by the AHA for CPR. This aligns with the required rate for effective chest compressions.
- Historically, "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees and "La Macarena" by Los Del Río were standard CPR songs, both at 103 beats/min. However, medical professionals noted these songs are less familiar to younger people.
- To engage new generations, the AHA has added Spanish-language songs like those by Karol G, Celia Cruz, Bacilos, and Maná to its recommended list.
- Christmas carols, including "Last Christmas" and versions of "Silent Night," were also included in a December 2024 compilation.
- Ana Beltrán, a Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine coordinator, utilizes music in CPR training to help students maintain rhythm, especially when older manikins lacked real-time feedback on compression quality.
- She emphasizes that a familiar song, even if not originally intended for CPR, can aid rescuers by internalizing the rhythm in critical situations.
- The key is for the song's tempo to fall within the 100-120 beats/min range and for the rescuer to know and remember the beat under pressure.
