It might be famous for zombies, werewolves and things that go bump in the night, but Michael Jackson's Thriller could also help you remember how to save someone's life.

As Hallowe’en approaches, Welsh heart charity Calon Hearts is putting a lifesaving twist on the spooky season, reminding people that the beat of the iconic song can help them remember the rhythm needed to perform CPR.

And there's another Hallowe’en message the charity wants everyone to remember and that is that not all shocks are scary. Sometimes, a shock from a defibrillator could save a life.

The campaign forms part of Shocktober, running from 16 to 31 October, during which Calon Hearts is encouraging people across Wales to learn CPR, understand how defibrillators work and feel confident stepping in during a cardiac emergency.

When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, their heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively around the body. Without immediate action, their chances of survival fall rapidly.

But knowing what to do can make all the difference.

CPR helps keep blood circulating until emergency help arrives, and the recommended rate of 100–120 chest compressions per minute can be remembered by thinking of familiar songs.

At approximately 118 beats per minute, Michael Jackson's Thriller provides a memorable rhythm for CPR.

And while Hallowe’en might be full of frightening surprises, Calon Hearts wants to take the fear out of using a defibrillator.

These lifesaving devices are designed for members of the public to use. They provide clear instructions and will only advise a shock if the person's heart rhythm requires one.

Sharon Owen, Founder and Chief Executive of Calon Hearts, said:

"We all know Thriller. It's one of those songs you hear every Halloween, but wouldn't it be brilliant if remembering its beat helped someone save a life?

"CPR is something everyone can learn, and you don't need to be a medical professional to make a difference.

"People are often frightened of doing something wrong, particularly when it comes to using a defibrillator. But these devices are designed to guide you through the process, and they won't advise a shock unless it's needed.

"That's why our message this Halloween is simple: don't be afraid of the shock that could save someone's life."

What should you do if someone suffers a cardiac arrest?

Calon Hearts is encouraging everyone to remember three simple actions:

  1. Call 999. If someone is unconscious and not breathing normally, call for an ambulance immediately.
  2. Start CPR. Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest at 100–120 compressions per minute. Think of the beat of Thriller to help you keep the rhythm.
  3. Use a defibrillator. Ask someone to find the nearest AED and follow its instructions. Continue CPR until the device tells you to stop briefly, emergency services take over or the person shows signs of life.

Throughout Shocktober, Calon Hearts is also encouraging businesses, schools, sports clubs, village halls and community organisations to consider whether they have access to a defibrillator and whether their staff and volunteers would know what to do in an emergency.

Through its part-funded Defibrillator Scheme, the charity helps organisations access lifesaving equipment, providing expert advice on where to install it and free CPR and defibrillator training with every purchase.

Since launching, Calon Hearts has:

  • Screened more than 38,000 hearts
  • Trained more than 605,000 people in CPR
  • Helped place more than 37,000 defibrillators across the UK

Sharon added:

"We want people to enjoy Halloween, have fun and embrace all the spooky traditions. But we'd also love them to take a few minutes to learn something that could genuinely save a life.

"Whether you're at home, at work, at a sports club or out enjoying Halloween celebrations, you never know when someone might need your help.

"So this Shocktober, remember the beat, learn CPR and don't be afraid to use a defibrillator.

"Because the scariest thing of all would be standing by and not knowing what to do."

This Hallowe’en, let Thriller remind you of a rhythm that could save a life.

For information about CPR training, installing a defibrillator, accessing the charity's part-funded Defibrillator Scheme or supporting Calon Hearts, visit calonhearts.org.