Record attempt ends after 128 hours of continuous chest compressions

A world-record attempt in Schwerin ended after 128 hours of continuous chest compressions on a training mannequin, organizers said, after strong public participation extended the original plan by 48 hours.

The event at the Marienplatz-Galerie was officially brought to a close on its sixth day with applause and a shower of gold confetti. Organizers said 870 helpers had taken part since the campaign began.

“The engagement was already surprising and very impressive,” said Max Kühnel of the German Red Cross. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Health Minister Stefanie Drese, who also participated, said the turnout showed how many people were willing to help and take responsibility in an emergency.

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The engagement was already surprising and very impressive.

“I believe we need many more low-threshold opportunities to come into contact with first aid,” Drese said. She described refreshing first-aid knowledge while shopping for a few minutes as a better option for many people than a refresher course.

The previous mark of 72 hours was reached on Saturday, according to organizers. The attempt began at 8 a.m. the previous Wednesday and continued without interruption, day and night, they said. The new record has not yet been officially recognized. The German Records Institute will review the organizers’ written documentation and video recording before announcing a result.

The campaign was organized by Nofias, an association focused on outpatient emergency care, and the German Red Cross to draw attention to sudden cardiac death. Emergency physician Frederik Schlichting said at the launch that someone in Germany suffers a cardiovascular arrest every four minutes, amounting to more than 200 deaths a day.

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I believe we need many more low-threshold opportunities to come into contact with first aid.