Women in the UK who suffer cardiac arrest in public are less likely to receive lifesaving chest compressions than men, according to a study by St John Ambulance. The research suggests that bystanders hesitate to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on women, primarily due to concerns about touching their breasts.
The study, which surveyed 1,000 Britons, revealed that nearly a quarter of respondents admitted they would be less likely to give CPR to a woman in public. A significant proportion of men, 33%, expressed concern about being accused of "inappropriate" touching, compared with 13% of women who shared similar concerns.
This hesitation contributes to what the report describes as an "alarming gender disparity" in emergency care. Women who experience cardiac arrest in public are less likely to receive CPR from bystanders, with only 68% of women receiving assistance compared to 73% of men.
Taboo Surrounding Women's Chests Hinders Lifesaving Action
The reluctance to perform CPR on women is part of a larger issue, where societal taboos surrounding women's bodies are influencing decisions in life-or-death situations. Jordan Davison, a community experience manager at St John Ambulance, emphasised the importance of disregarding gender when administering CPR.
“Our message to people is that it is always better to do something than nothing in these circumstances,” Davison said. “Regardless of gender, when it comes to CPR, every body is the same, the technique is the same, and everyone deserves the best possible chance of survival.”
According to the British Heart Foundation, over 30,000 people in the UK experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually, and fewer than one in 10 survive. However, performing CPR and using a defibrillator can more than double the chances of survival.
Discomfort With Defibrillator Use on Women
The survey also found that 38% of respondents would feel uncomfortable using a defibrillator on a woman, as its pads must be placed on bare skin in the chest area. Nearly half of the male respondents reported feeling uneasy about having to remove a woman’s clothing, including her bra, to use a defibrillator, compared to 31% of women who felt similarly.
These findings highlight the need for proper education and training. The report suggests that such training could alleviate concerns, with 64% of respondents stating they would feel more comfortable performing CPR with the right guidance and support.
Closing the Gender Gap in Emergency Care
Millie Bright, captain of Chelsea FC Women, is lending her voice to St John Ambulance’s campaign to close the gender gap in CPR administration. Reflecting on her own experience, she said, "I’ve been on the pitch when someone suffered a suspected cardiac arrest, and it was terrifying."
“It’s so important that we all take the time to learn how to save a life, as we never know when we might need the help of strangers,” Bright added. “To learn that as a woman I am more at risk because people are uncomfortable providing help due to my gender is shocking.”
With more than 8,200 women in England and Wales having died from heart attacks over a decade due to receiving less effective treatment than men, this research underscores the critical need for societal and educational changes to ensure equal access to lifesaving care.
By addressing the taboo surrounding women’s bodies and ensuring everyone feels comfortable administering CPR, we can work towards closing this gender gap and saving lives.
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