0
0
A recent study has revealed a significant gender disparity in the likelihood of bystanders administering CPR to individuals experiencing cardiac arrest, with women being less likely to receive help than men. The findings raise concerns about the broader implications for women’s health and the effectiveness of current CPR training practices.
Between 2017 and 2019, an Australian study analyzed 4,491 cases of cardiac arrest and found that 74% of men received CPR from bystanders, compared to only 65% of women. This gap could have serious consequences, as quick intervention during a cardiac arrest is critical for survival, ensuring blood and oxygen continue to flow to the brain and vital organs until professional medical help arrives.
One potential factor contributing to this discrepancy is the way CPR is taught. Research shows that most CPR training manikins—used worldwide to teach life-saving techniques—do not feature breasts, with 95% of them being flat-chested. While breasts do not affect the technique of CPR itself, the absence of this anatomical feature could make bystanders hesitant to intervene when the person in need of help is a woman. Cultural discomfort, concerns about potential accusations of sexual harassment, or worry about causing harm could all contribute to this reluctance.
“CPR is a life-saving intervention that doesn’t change based on the presence of breasts,” said Rebecca, a researcher involved in the study. “But we need to ensure that CPR training better reflects the diversity of bodies that people may need to respond to in emergencies.”
Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and cardiac arrest, are the leading cause of death for women worldwide. Despite this, women are 10% less likely than men to receive CPR outside of a hospital setting, and they also face lower survival rates and higher chances of brain damage after a cardiac arrest. The reluctance to perform CPR on women could be contributing to these disparities.
In addition to gender, studies have also highlighted issues of racial and body diversity in CPR training materials. A 2022 study found that 94% of CPR manikins were male and 88% were white. Our recent investigation revealed similar trends, with just one out of 20 manikins available globally having breasts. These statistics highlight the need for more inclusive training tools that represent a broader range of body types, genders, and skin tones.
Importantly, CPR does not require the removal of clothing—such as a bra—unless a defibrillator is needed. In some cases, removing a bra with an underwire could cause a minor burn during the defibrillation process, but delaying CPR to remove the garment could risk the person’s life.
To address these issues, researchers are calling for CPR training materials to be updated to include more diverse representations of body types, particularly manikins with breasts, as well as a greater emphasis on women’s health. This would help reduce hesitation and improve the chances of bystanders stepping in when someone needs CPR, regardless of their gender.
Training people to act confidently in life-or-death situations could save lives. Educating the public about heart disease risks for women, as well as diversifying CPR training resources, are critical steps in ensuring that everyone—regardless of gender, body type, or background—receives the life-saving care they need in a cardiac emergency.
