My Life Matters Too: Why We Need to Talk About CPR, Defibrillators and Women

As the Director of ER Training, I've spent years teaching and developing courses to teach people how to save lives.

We've trained hundreds of workplace first aiders and members of the public over the past 2 decades. I know that when an emergency happens, that most people genuinely want to help.

But there is one statistic that stops me in my tracks every time.

Women are significantly less likely to receive bystander CPR than men. (A major European study found that 67.9% of women received CPR from a bystander compared with 72.7% of men) With some research indicating women have approximately 27% lower odds of receiving bystander CPR than men.

As a woman, that concerns me. As a mother of two daughters, it worries me even more.

I know I am fortunate to work alongside experienced operational personnel who would never hesitate to start CPR or use a defibrillator on anyone who needed it. They understand that when someone's heart stops, every second matters.

But the statistics tell us that bystander hesitation still exists.

And that means every one of us should stop and think.

What if that woman lying in cardiac arrest was your daughter? Your wife? Your sister? Your mum? Your best friend?

The reality is that many people still feel uncomfortable about performing CPR on women or exposing a woman's chest to use a defibrillator. Concerns about touching breasts, removing clothing or causing embarrassment can create dangerous delays.

Yet when someone is in cardiac arrest, preserving life must always come before preserving modesty.

If I collapse in cardiac arrest, don't hesitate because I'm a woman. Don't worry about my bra, don't worry about touching my chest, don't worry about embarrassment!

Attempt to save my life.

And if one day it is one of my daughters who needs CPR or a defibrillator, I hope the person standing beside them feels exactly the same way.

Because their life matters too. Because all women matter!

Thanks Debbie

Correct AED pad placement on a casualty. Defibrillator pads must be placed directly onto bare skin in the correct position. If clothing or a bra interferes with pad placement, it should be adjusted or removed without delay. Image source: Resuscitation Council UK.

What We Teach at ER Training

At ER Training, we believe first aid training should prepare learners for real-life emergencies, not just help them pass an assessment.

As a female trainer, Director of ER Training and a mother of two daughters, this is a conversation we make a point of covering in all our First Aid courses.

When we look at the statistics showing that women are less likely to receive bystander CPR, I don't just think about the figures. I think about my daughters. I think about my female friends, colleagues, sister and mothers. I think about every woman who could one day depend on a stranger having the confidence to step forward and help.

That's why we don't avoid the uncomfortable questions during our training.

We talk openly about:

• CPR on female casualties

• Defibrillator use on women

• AED pad placement

• Removing bras and clothing when necessary

• Preserving dignity wherever possible

• Overcoming hesitation and building confidence to act

We explain that breasts do not change CPR technique. We discuss why AED pads must be placed directly onto bare skin and what to do if a bra interferes with correct pad placement.

Most importantly, we reinforce a simple message:

When someone is in cardiac arrest, preserving life must always be the priority.

A person's dignity can be protected afterwards.

Lost time during a cardiac arrest cannot be recovered.

Our goal is simple.

When one of our learners is faced with a cardiac arrest, we want them to act immediately and confidently, regardless of whether the casualty is male or female.

Because if it were my daughters, I would want somebody to help them without hesitation.

Every second counts.

Every life matters. And hesitation isn't an option when a life can still be saved.

This is why these discussions form an important part of our Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work courses in Doncaster, helping learners develop the confidence to respond effectively to real-life emergencies.

FAQ Section

Do you need to remove a bra before using a defibrillator?

AED pads must be placed directly onto bare skin. If a bra prevents correct pad placement, it should be cut away and removed without delay.

Is CPR performed differently on women?

No. CPR compressions are performed in exactly the same way on adult women and men.

Why are women less likely to receive CPR?

Research suggests some bystanders hesitate because of concerns about touching a woman's chest, exposing breasts or causing embarrassment. This hesitation can delay life-saving treatment.

Can AED pads be placed over a bra?

No. AED pads must be applied directly to bare skin in the correct positions.

What should be prioritised during cardiac arrest?

Preserving life must always be the priority. Dignity can be restored afterwards, fabric placed over the chest area but lost time during cardiac arrest cannot be recovered.

Want to learn more about our first aid courses or to speak to one of our friendly team call T:01302 802016 E: mail@ertraining.co.uk or contact us HERE