Frequently Asked Questions

General Information & Purpose

SaveTheBeat™ is a mobile learning and practice tool designed to help teach the essential steps learning of Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). It uses visual cues, audio feedback (metronome), and your phone’s native technology to help you practice high quality Hands Only CPR with correct posture, rate and depth of chest compressions.

Hands-Only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths. It involves two simple steps: Call 911 (or your local emergency number) and push hard and fast in the center of the chest. It is recommended for use by people who see an adult suddenly collapse in an out-of-hospital setting.

No. SaveTheBeat™ is an excellent supplementary tool for getting feedback and practicing the physical technique of Hands-Only CPR, but it does not provide formal certification. We strongly encourage users to seek in-person, certified training from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross for comprehensive life-support education.

No. SaveTheBeat™ is strictly a training and practice tool. When faced with a real emergency, follow the steps taught in the app: Call 911 and immediately begin hands-only compressions on the person’s chest. Do not use the phone or app at that critical moment.

Using the App for Practice

SaveTheBeat™ uses your smartphone’s built-in technology to measure the motion of your hands an upper body as you practice compressions on a firm, inanimate object (like a cushion or practice dummy). It analyzes the speed (rate) and distance (depth/force) of your movements.

We recommend using a medium-firm object that allows for some give, such as a sturdy sofa cushion hat is at least 3 inches in depth and recoils (bounces back) fully. We do not advise you practice on a person or animal.

The recommended rate for compressions is 100 to 120 beats per minute (BPM). This is approximately the rhythm of songs like “Stayin’ Alive” or “Baby Shark.” The recommended adult depth is at least 2 to 2 1/2 inches (about 5 cm).

Focus on two things:

  • Rate: Try to match the app’s metronome as closely as possible.
  • Depth: Push down harder and faster on your practice object. The app will provide visual feedback on the screen to help you adjust. Ensure you are practicing on a suitably firm surface.

Technical & Compatibility

The app requires a smartphone running iOS 17.3 or later

  1. Ensure your phone is placed securely and flat on the support.
  2. Make sure you are placing your hands directly over the center of the practice object (as if it were the center of the chest).
  3. Check that the practice object is not moving or sliding during compressions.
  4. Avoid wearing a plaid or patterned shirt or blouse.
  5. Make sure your entire upper body, including your head, and wrists are visible to the SaveTheBeat (TM) app.
  6. If the issue persists, please try restarting your phone and the app.

SaveTheBeat™ is currently available for iOS and an Android version is planned for the future.

Email us at support@codescribecpr.com with your questions and feedback.