Study reveals women less likely to receive CPR in public than men

The research draws upon records from cardiac arrests outside of hospitals in Canada and the US between 2005 and 2015, encompassing over 39,000 patients.

Of the evaluated cases, only about half of the patients received CPR from a bystander. When incidents occurred in public locations, women, irrespective of their age, were found to be less likely to receive this life-saving procedure. Furthermore, the likelihood of receiving CPR decreased with age for both genders, though the decline was more pronounced for men.

Alexis Cournoyer, a contributing author of the study, commented on the alarming findings: “Our study shows that women experiencing a cardiac arrest are less likely to get the CPR they need compared to men, especially if the emergency happens in public. We don’t know why this is the case.” The study conjectures potential concerns about physical contact without consent, the fear of causing harm, or misconceptions about women's likelihood of experiencing cardiac arrests.

Deeply Concerning Findings

Douglas McShane, Training Director at CPR Training, weighed in on the findings: “These findings are deeply concerning. CPR is a crucial skill that can save lives, and it's essential that bystanders feel equipped and confident to administer it regardless of gender. At CPR Training, we emphasise the importance of understanding and recognizing cardiac arrest situations and acting promptly. This research underscores the need for broader education on the importance of providing immediate care and dispelling myths around gender differences in emergencies.”

McShane further added: “We plan to use this research as a foundation to modify our training programs. It's vital that our community understands the urgency and importance of administering CPR, irrespective of gender or age. We urge the public to regularly update their CPR skills and knowledge.”