Tire shop technician Cross Scott had no idea his routine test drive for a customer would help save a life. During the test drive, Scott encountered another vehicle with flashing hazard lights, with the driver slumped over the wheel. Fearing the driver might be close to death, he sprang into action—until he realized he’d never had any training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Fortunately, Scott had watched the TV series The Office, especially an episode called “Stress Relief.” On the show, the Dunder-Mifflin employees are taught to administer CPR to the tune of “Stayin’ Alive” by 70s disco band The Bee Gees. It’s a useful memory trick because saving lives is combined with the song’s tempo of 100 beats per minute, the recommended rate for applying chest compressions.

Armed with that bit of knowledge, the tire tech turned medic began chest compressions, singing along with actor Steve Carell playing Michael Scott in his mind. After a minute or so, the woman, later identified as Carla, came to consciousness.

A paramedic for the Tucson Fire Department confirmed that Carla’s situation might’ve ended differently if the tire tech hadn’t intervened. In response to the popularity of “Stayin’ Alive,” New York-Presbyterian Hospital has since compiled a Spotify playlist entitled “Songs to do CPR to.”

Potential Preaching Angles:

As followers of Christ we never know when God will call us to serve and help others.

Source:

Alex Horton, “She wasn’t breathing. He didn’t know CPR. Then he recalled an old episode of ‘The Office,’” Washington Post (1-26-19)