‘Emergency, paging Dr Beat’: Where the inescapable TikTok sound actually comes from

If your TikTok FYP is anything like mine right now, your entire feed will have been taken over by a sound that people either love or can’t stand: Emergency, paging Dr Beat. You know the one. People changing outfits with slick transitions, accompanied by a Frankenstein TikTok sound that takes the line “Emergency, paging Dr Beat” and loops it with a repetitive instrumental. But what the hell is this sound and where did it come from?

Well, to be honest – I’m raging everyone doesn’t already know. Get the schools opened! This is pop music history!

Get on Spotify right now

Miami Sound Machine dropped Dr Beat in 1984 and lives were changed. The band had vocals from Cuban icon Gloria Estefan – and the song absolutely rips. 80s pop perfection. It got a new lease of life in 2005 when Mylo released Doctor Pressure – a remix that became a club classic and mashed up his hit Drop The Pressure with the classic Dr Beat.

The “Emergency, paging Dr Beat” comes right at the start of the song and that’s the bit that has been sampled for the viral TikTok sound.

The new remix on TikTok is by a group called Linear Phase. Their official Spotify description says they exist to breathe new life and remix classics. They’ve done that well, considering they’re now insanely viral.

How is it being used on TikTok?

Everyone is using the sound to either moan about how the song sounds Uncanny Valley, or praise it for scratching a certain itch and hitting their ear just right. The actual trend with the song has people changing outfits every time “Emergency, paging Dr Beat” is looped. It’s kind of hypnotic watching it happen, to be honest.

Most Read

On and off: The relationship status of each MAFS UK 2024 cast member and who’s dating now

Adam told us what happened to the disappearing red wine stains on his jacket during MAFS

Kieran and Kristina reveal whether they went to that festival together after MAFS UK reunion

Here are a few examples of the most viral versions – and no, I won’t be posting the Paul Breach version. For all our sakes.

@notsophiesilva

give this style a name in the comments pls and thanks 🫶 I actually want to make 100 more videos to this audio LOL #notsophiesilva #outfitinspo

♬ original sound – ICONX FAMILY – ICONX FAMILY

@in_the_nic_of_time

Bro copies me 🥱 #dad #trend #notviral

♬ original sound – kasane teto – kasane teto

@kristal_m3th

i would also do the trend but i work full time in a restaurant and i wear all black all day every day

♬ original sound – kasane teto – kasane teto

Hypnotic, right?

Related stories recommended by this writer: 

• Okay, so what exactly are the aura points you keep seeing all over your TikTok?

• Named and shamed: Online retailers charging and banning customers for returns

•  Ok so, who is the Four Seasons Orlando baby everyone is going crazy over right now?