Drummers certified in CPR

Benthedrummer

Benthedrummer

Silver Member
Hi all.

Just wondering if any of you out there who are frequently gigging or touring are certified in CPR?

I reckon it could be handy if your bass player suddenly chokes or your singer has an MI.

Do any of you make sure that you are packing a good first aid kit on your drumming adventures?

I just think that it would be a super handy skill to possess.

Apart from any band members that may need it, there's people in the crowd, friends at a party etc etc.
 
Last edited:
Benthedrummer said:
Hi all.

Just wondering if any of you out there who are frequently gigging or touring are certified in CPR?

I reckon it could be handy if your bass player suddenly chokes or your singer has an MI.

Do any of you make sure that you are packing a good first aid kit on your drumming adventures?
Click to expand...
That’s a good point. I’ve never thought about that at all. Is there a particular reason why you didn’t mention coming to the aid of lead guitarists? :unsure: :ROFLMAO:
 
Al Strange said:
That’s a good point. I’ve never thought about that at all. Is there a particular reason why you didn’t mention coming to the aid of lead guitarists? :unsure: :ROFLMAO:
Click to expand...

Oh....yeah.......them 🙄
 
Benthedrummer said:
Hi all.

Just wondering if any of you out there who are frequently gigging or touring are certified in CPR?

I reckon it could be handy if your bass player suddenly chokes or your singer has an MI.

Do any of you make sure that you are packing a good first aid kit on your drumming adventures?
Click to expand...
Being in the military, we have to be certified, The Navy doesn't make it as strict as other branches, but for me since I work with electronics, power, etc, is mandatory. Funny story about CPR cert... The ship I was stationed at was getting deployed to South America, so everyone had to get certified. That was first time I got it (during that year) then, the medical team requested me to be their translator, they were training local military on the countries we were visiting, which ended up being 9, and finally the whole ship had to get it again right before returning. So I got certified 11 times in 6 months... and that of course is not the only times I have done it. Maybe at least another 15 times in my 20+ years in....

What I noticed is that every so often, the ratio of compressions to breaths changes.. the rest remains mostly the same.

Now about packing a first aid kit...if you have a bag or case for your drum tools, add some small bandage, and some band aids but that's about it, if you need more than that, maybe the paramedics need to be called... (of course if you have to use an epi pen or an inhaler take those).

But, everyone should know how to do CPR and specially how to to do it with an infant. (much more delicate).
On the other hand, those of us that live in the US risk getting sued for breaking someone's ribs while trying to help them. the "Good Samaritan" law exists (basically prevents the lawsuit), but its not a guarantee you won't get sued, people suck, but I can't in good conscience just let them die...
Also knowing what to do with someone chocking (specially pregnant women).
They should teach that in school and have a refresher once a year.

We take a whole course on first aid from stopping bleeding to aiding someone in shock, to electrocution victims, burns, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, CPR, chocking etc. In our case we do it often, so that it becomes second nature (not having to think, just automatically doing what is needed). but for everyone else, at least some awareness of the procedures will be good .
 
doggyd69b said:
Being in the military, we have to be certified, The Navy doesn't make it as strict as other branches, but for me since I work with electronics, power, etc, is mandatory. Funny story about CPR cert... The ship I was stationed at was getting deployed to South America, so everyone had to get certified. That was first time I got it (during that year) then, the medical team requested me to be their translator, they were training local military on the countries we were visiting, which ended up being 9, and finally the whole ship had to get it again right before returning. So I got certified 11 times in 6 months... and that of course is not the only times I have done it. Maybe at least another 15 times in my 20+ years in....

What I noticed is that every so often, the ratio of compressions to breaths changes.. the rest remains mostly the same.

Now about packing a first aid kit...if you have a bag or case for your drum tools, add some small bandage, and some band aids but that's about it, if you need more than that, maybe the paramedics need to be called... (of course if you have to use an epi pen or an inhaler take those).

But, everyone should know how to do CPR and specially how to to do it with an infant. (much more delicate).
On the other hand, those of us that live in the US risk getting sued for breaking someone's ribs while trying to help them. the "Good Samaritan" law exists (basically prevents the lawsuit), but its not a guarantee you won't get sued, people suck, but I can't in good conscience just let them die...
Also knowing what to do with someone chocking (specially pregnant women).
They should teach that in school and have a refresher once a year.

We take a whole course on first aid from stopping bleeding to aiding someone in shock, to electrocution victims, burns, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, CPR, chocking etc. In our case we do it often, so that it becomes second nature (not having to think, just automatically doing what is needed). but for everyone else, at least some awareness of the procedures will be good .
Click to expand...

That is some major anecdotal history doggy......thank you for sharing.

Thank you for your service to your country.

It's amazing how much force you need for good quality, effective chest compressions.....it's really brutal.

I remember once I was swapping with a paramedic doing chest compressions for about 1/2 hr in the ER department on this fella.

We have a very strong Good Samaritan act over here.

There is no way that anyone could be sued.

Only a member of the Police Force over here are obligated to perform CPR at a scene........ whether they are on duty or not, it is compulsory.

If they are eating at a restaurant, at the movies, at a supermarket...they gotta do it if someone needs it.
 
Benthedrummer said:
That is some major anecdotal history doggy......thank you for sharing.

Thank you for your service to your country.

It's amazing how much force you need for good quality, effective chest compressions.....it's really brutal.

I remember once I was swapping with a paramedic doing chest compressions for about 1/2 hr in the ER department on this fella.

We have a very strong Good Samaritan act over here.

There is no way that anyone could be used.

Only a member of the Police Force over here are obligated to perform CPR at a scene........ whether they are on duty or not, it is compulsory.

If they are eating at a restaurant, at the movies, at a supermarket...they gotta do it if someone needs it.
Click to expand...
I remember suggesting using the Billie Jean pace (the drum beat) to do the compression in adults, that seemed like a good pace that most people can remember, but yes it is exhausting after a few minutes.
 
I was a lifeguard/lifeguard instructor for about 10 years. I had CPR, AED, O2, First Aid, and a list of other certifications. At one point, I'd thought of being a CPR instructor.
 
PorkPieGuy said:
I was a lifeguard/lifeguard instructor for about 10 years. I had CPR, AED, O2, First Aid, and a list of other certifications. At one point, I'd thought of being a CPR instructor.
Click to expand...
I taught CPR and 1st Aid for the Red Cross and the American Heart Association a long, long, long time ago. Now I take the classes with a very critical eye.
 
Yep. I've just lapsed currency and I need to retake (also AED). Similar to @doggyd69b, I was CPR trained annually in the Army (as well as Combat Lifesaver, which culminates with administering an IV). Good life skill to have. I actually originally got CPR certified in the Boy Scouts (no lie, I was an Eagle Scout), then got a job as a lifeguard for three summers before enlisting.
 
It made me realize how useful it is to know the basics, just in case. I also keep a small first aid kit in my gear bag now - nothing fancy, but it has the essentials. Never had to use it (thankfully), but it gives me peace of mind.
 
I'm jumping back into this topic even though it's a bit old, because I think it's still very relevant. I'm a volunteer paramedic and also a drummer in a local band – and yes, knowing CPR can really make a difference.

At a festival last summer, I was the only one who knew how to respond until the ambulance arrived. If anyone's looking to learn the basics, I recommend Safety Training Seminars – their courses are clear, easy to follow, and genuinely useful in all kinds of situations, not just on stage.
 
Last edited:
Military member here too. I'm one the civilian side of it now but still go through CPR training just as often. I also keep a small backpack with emergency stuff in it as well as a first aid kit in my car.

I've never had to use either the kit or the skills at a gig yet. I have had years of what the AF calls "Self Aid Buddy Care" it's very basic first responder kind of techniques. I also took a wilderness first aid class years ago just because I go backpacking and think it's a good skill to have.

And THAT I have used on a gig! A few years ago, right in the middle of our set, some woman falls off her bar stool, hits her head and cuts her arm. Our band leader works in the medical profession in addition to being a combat medic in Vietnam. He and I both jump from the bandstand and run to help her. We got her stabilized until the paramedics showed up. Weird gig...
 
Benthedrummer said:
Hi all.

Just wondering if any of you out there who are frequently gigging or touring are certified in CPR?

I reckon it could be handy if your bass player suddenly chokes or your singer has an MI.

Do any of you make sure that you are packing a good first aid kit on your drumming adventures?

I just think that it would be a super handy skill to possess.

Apart from any band members that may need it, there's people in the crowd, friends at a party etc etc.
Click to expand...
In the military we all had to be CPR certified, but us technicians had to maintain that certification unlike the rest of the non technical people who only may had to do it once or twice in their career. I don't pack a first aid kit because I am in good health, I don't feel I should be prepared for those who are not. (That is not to say I wouldn't help them but c'mon get your life together). I even got Ambulance driver certified. Not a fun job.
 
BGDurham said:
Hilariously my CPR training recommends compressions at the tempo of "Staying' Alive" or "Another Bites the Dust".
Click to expand...
Yep. My latest reserve deputy re-certification mentioned the same thing. I guess it's good to be a drummer. You can accurately time your compressions better than most people. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top