Niamh, a lifestyle journalist catering to readers under 35, focuses on TikTok trends, Gen Z lifestyle, pop culture, health, social issues, and female-centric stories. With a passion for food, travel, and dogs, Niamh can be reached at Niamh.Kirk@reachplc.com.
A concerning study has unveiled that one out of every three individuals hesitates to administer CPR to women due to fears of touching their breasts. Similarly, 33% of men express concerns about potential accusations of inappropriate behavior while performing chest compressions.
In a survey conducted by St John Ambulance among 1,000 UK adults, it was disclosed that some respondents admitted reluctance in providing life-saving treatment to women in distress.
The first aid organization emphasizes that this sexual stigma poses a significant risk to women experiencing cardiac arrest. They stress the equality of all bodies, advocating for CPR to be administered regardless of the gender of the individual in need.
Despite being in 2025, the charity had to reiterate that CPR should be administered uniformly to all genders. Previous studies have shown that women are less likely to receive bystander CPR compared to men.
St John Ambulance urges the public to learn CPR and emphasizes that the technique should be applied equally to both sexes. The charity questions why women should have lower chances of survival than men simply because of anatomical differences.
The survey findings revealed that a significant percentage of individuals feel uncomfortable using a defibrillator, particularly when it involves placing pads on bare skin, leading to heightened discomfort levels.
Nearly half of male respondents expressed discomfort in using a defibrillator on women, citing concerns about potentially having to remove clothing, including bras, compared to a lower percentage of females surveyed.
The timely use of a defibrillator within the first three minutes can significantly increase the chances of survival during a cardiac arrest, boosting survival rates by up to 70%.
A substantial number of respondents admitted to being less inclined to administer CPR to women in public settings. However, the majority agreed that proper support and training could enhance their comfort levels.
There is a critical need to address the reluctance of men to provide life-saving assistance to women, driven by concerns over embarrassment or inappropriate touching. It is essential to change this mindset and prioritize saving lives over unfounded fears or discomfort.
Men must realize that gender should not determine the urgency or effectiveness of life-saving interventions. It is crucial to overcome social taboos and prioritize saving lives, recognizing that touching someone during CPR is a necessary act of compassion and should not be viewed as inappropriate.
Your feedback is valuable to us. Please take a moment to complete our survey to help us enhance our content and better serve our audience.
