Women are less likely to receive bystander CPR

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique used in emergencies when a person's heartbeat or breathing has stopped1. It combines chest compressions and artificial ventilation to manually maintain circulatory flow and oxygenation in the body. The primary goal of CPR is to preserve brain function and sustain life until further measures can be taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing.

When is CPR Needed?

CPR is typically required in the following situations:

1. Cardiac arrest: When the heart suddenly stops beating.

2. Drowning: When a person is pulled from water and is not breathing.

3. Choking: When an object obstructs the airway and the person cannot breathe.

4. Severe trauma: In cases of severe injury leading to a cessation of breathing or heartbeat.

5. Drug overdose: When a person has stopped breathing or their heart has stopped due to an overdose.

Why Women Do Not Receive as Much CPR from Bystanders

Despite the critical importance of timely CPR, studies show that women are less likely to receive CPR from bystanders than men. Several factors contribute to this disparity:

1. Fear of Causing Harm or Injury: Bystanders may fear causing harm to women due to perceived fragility or differences in anatomy, leading to hesitation.

2. Reluctance Due to Physical Contact: Some bystanders may feel uncomfortable touching a woman's chest due to concerns about impropriety or accusations of inappropriate behaviour.

3. Perception and Stereotypes: There can be misconceptions that women are less likely to suffer from cardiac arrest compared to men, which may delay the response.

4. Clothing Barriers: Women’s clothing, such as bras or tight tops, may pose additional challenges for bystanders trying to perform CPR, causing delays.

Research has highlighted these issues, emphasising the need for increased public education and training to address these biases and ensure everyone receives prompt and effective CPR regardless of gender. Previous studies found that men are ~20% more likely to receive bystander CPR in public than women2. This disparity can lead to worse outcomes for women experiencing cardiac arrest, underscoring the urgency of addressing these barriers.

Take-home message

CPR is a crucial emergency procedure that can save lives in various critical situations. However, the gender disparity in receiving bystander CPR highlights significant societal and perceptual challenges. Addressing these issues through education and training can help ensure that all individuals, regardless of sex, receive the life-saving interventions they need in emergencies.