Introduction Guidelines on neonatal cardiorespiratory resuscitation (CPR) suggest the provision of coordinated compressions to inflations at a rate of 3:1. However, manikin studies, and human trials have shown that coordinated chest compression/manual ventilation is difficult to achieve. In a manikin study, we aimed to investigate how music might help to control CPR in neonates.

Methods 36 medical professionals were trained in neonatal resuscitation with and without listening to music (Radetzky-Marsch). CPR was performed using a neonatal lung model and a T-piece resuscitator for manual ventilation. Chest compressions were counted using a mechanical tally counter and the rate of inflations were recorded using a respiratory monitor.

Results A total of 2514 inflations and 7678 chest compressions were analysed, with a median (interquartile range, IQR) number of chest compressions of 213 (196–229) and 70 (66–76) inflations per participant. Without music the median (IQR) rate of chest compressions was 115 (100–129)/min and the rate of inflations was 38 (32–42)/min. While listening to the Radetzky-Marsch the rate of chest compressions decreased significantly to 96 (96–100)/min (p=0.002) and the rate of inflations decreased to 32 (30–34)/min (p=0.001). Furthermore, with music the IQR of chest compression rate decreased by 86% and the IQR inflation rate by 60%.

Conclusion A musical mnemonic has a significant impact on the delivery of neonatal CPR. Listening to music optimizes the rate of chest compressions and inflations and reduces the variability between individuals.