When someone collapses from cardiac arrest or lack of oxygen, every second counts. It’s easy to assume a bystander’s immediate response would be to attempt performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) on that person, regardless of who they are. After all, CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival when performed immediately.
However, research shows bystanders are 17% less likely to perform CPR on a female than a male. Understanding why this disparity exists, and how to overcome it, is critical to improving survival rates. CPR can quite literally be the difference between life and death.
In this article, we’ll outline what CPR is, how it works, why people hesitate to perform CPR on a female, and what we can do about it.
Understanding how to perform CPR
CPR is a life-saving technique that contains three key components: chest compressions, checking the airway and rescue breaths. Chest compressions are administered at a CPR compression rate, and rescue breaths are given at certain intervals throughout.
These elements work together to maintain blood flow and oxygenation to the brain and vital organs until paramedics or professional medical help arrives.
In short; CPR means life-saving assistance that can dramatically increase the likelihood of surviving breathing and cardiac emergencies outside of immediate medical care.
Yet surprisingly, CPR training isn’t mandatory in Australia and thousands of people don’t know how to perform CPR. According to state-based surveys, less than 60% of Australian adults have received formal CPR training. This gap highlights the need for more widespread education to ensure more people are prepared to act in emergencies, regardless of who needs assistance.
CPR on a Female vs Male: The Gender Disparity
Despite its well-known life-saving potential, research shows only 39% of women receive CPR in public settings, compared to 47% of men.
Why? There are a number of drivers behind this alarming statistic, including concerns about inappropriate touching, potential accusations of sexual assault, fear of causing injury, and more.
Here’s a breakdown of the main causes of CPR disparity:
Social and Cultural Factors
- Discomfort and fear of inappropriate contact: Many bystanders hesitate to perform CPR on women due to fear of inappropriate touching or the risk of being accused of sexual misconduct.
- Gender biases and stereotypes: Societal norms and stereotypes also contribute to the reluctance to perform CPR on women, as they’re sometimes seen as more fragile or less likely to need aggressive intervention.
Lack of Training and Awareness
- Insufficient CPR training addressing these issues: Training often falls short of addressing the specific challenges of performing CPR on a female, or answering common questions like how to do CPR on a woman or how many compressions for CPR there should be, leading to hesitation from bystanders.
- Myths and misconceptions about CPR on a female: Misunderstandings about physical differences between men and women can create unnecessary fear and hesitation around important steps like the placement of hands for CPR on a woman in need.
Physical Differences and Challenges
- Perceived differences in anatomy: Some bystanders may incorrectly believe the anatomical differences between men and women significantly impact how CPR should be performed. While individuals may be trained in first aid, they may still second-guess their ability to administer CPR on a female.
- Fear of causing injury: There's a common misconception that women are more likely to be injured during CPR, which can deter people from performing it, or make them feel unsure about how to do CPR on a female.
Encouraging a Culture of Preparedness
While the gap between gender CPR rates is alarming, it’s not unsolvable, and strategies can be implemented to help.
Promoting widespread, comprehensive CPR training is the first step. Programs that specifically address gender-based questions, such as ‘where should the rescuer place their hands for CPR compressions on a woman’ or concerns about CPR on a pregnant woman.
Communities and workplaces need to emphasise the importance of such training. This ensures everyone is equipped with the knowledge and confidence to perform this life-saving treatment – on anyone who needs it.
We must bridge this gap as though women’s lives depend on it – because they do.
For more information and to enrol in CPR and first aid courses, visit Hero HQ's CPR Courses and First Aid Courses. You can also contact Hero HQ for further inquiries here.
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