DETROIT – More than 320 people took part in the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter’s attempt to set a world record in CPR chest compressions. Almost 70,000 chest compressions were logged at seven stations around the GM Renaissance Center to the backdrop of the 1977 hit Staying Alive.

Participants received brief instructions on administering CPR, before administering chest compressions for two minutes to the lively music.

“A little bit of knowledge (on CPR compressions) is better than none at all,” said Red Cross instructor Debbie Stroup, who led participants through the mock disasters, such as a sudden cardiac arrest. During the instructions, the trainers showed participants how to check whether the person was breathing, encouraged them to tell someone present to call 911, and demonstrated how to deliver chest compressions on the CPR mannequins.

The world record attempt was made during Red Cross Month. An additional goal was to increase awareness of the importance of learning CPR. Participants received instructions at the CPR stations in the GM Wintergarden and surrounding areas between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

After administering the chest compressions, participants received coupons for discounted safety classes at five Red Cross training sites in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

The Southeastern Michigan Chapter is attempting to establish a world record for the highest number of CPR chest compressions performed in a day. Currently no such category for this specific effort exists with the Guinness Book of Records. However after contacting them, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter will be submitting its data in an attempt to establish a record in a new category.

Stayin’ Alive!