Overcoming Fear of Performing CPR on Women: A Vital Skill for Saving Lives
A recent survey conducted by St John Ambulance revealed a troubling statistic – a third of U.K. adults are hesitant to perform life-saving cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on women. The primary reason cited for this hesitation is the fear of touching women’s breasts inappropriately during the CPR process.
Men expressed concerns about being accused of ‘inappropriate touching,’ while nearly half of them admitted to being afraid of having to remove a woman’s bra in order to properly place a defibrillator. Surprisingly, a significant number of women also shared similar anxieties about touching other women’s breasts during CPR.
These fears are not unfounded, as studies have shown that bystanders are less likely to provide CPR or use defibrillators on women experiencing cardiac emergencies in public. Data from the U.S. and Canada between 2005 and 2015 revealed that only 61% of women received CPR compared to 68% of men in similar situations.
However, the hesitation to administer CPR can have dire consequences, as interventions like CPR and defibrillation can more than double the chances of surviving a cardiac arrest, according to the British Heart Foundation.
James McNulty, a paramedic and St John Ambulance’s head of clinical delivery, emphasized the importance of overcoming these barriers to providing timely CPR. He mentioned that the survey results reflected a common fear expressed by CPR trainees and highlighted the need for proper training and support in such situations.
The survey also revealed that 64% of respondents would feel more comfortable performing CPR on women if they had the right training and guidance. Immediate action is crucial in cardiac emergencies, as using a defibrillator within the first three minutes can significantly improve survival rates.
St John Ambulance offers free first aid training and resources, including short videos on performing CPR and using defibrillators on individuals with breasts. The charity has also launched a campaign featuring ‘CPR bras’ to raise awareness and reassure the public that gender should not be a barrier to providing life-saving assistance as a bystander.
One of the campaign ambassadors, Millie Bright, shared her personal experience of witnessing a suspected cardiac arrest during a soccer game. She emphasized the importance of learning how to save a life, regardless of gender, as timely intervention can make a significant difference in saving lives.
