A recent study has shown that one out of three individuals hesitate to administer CPR to women due to concerns about touching their breasts. The research also uncovered that 33% of men fear being accused of inappropriate behavior when performing chest compressions.
According to a survey conducted by St John Ambulance among 1,000 adults in the UK, some respondents admitted they would think twice about providing life-saving assistance to a woman in distress.
St John Ambulance has emphasized that this reluctance based on sexual taboos increases the risk of women dying from cardiac arrest. They stress that everyone, regardless of gender, should receive CPR when needed. Previous studies have indicated that women are less likely to receive bystander CPR compared to men.
The organization is urging the public to learn CPR and underscore that the technique should be administered equally to both genders. They question why women should have a lower chance of survival simply because of their anatomy.
The survey results also revealed that many individuals, particularly men, are uncomfortable using a defibrillator on women as it may require removing clothing, including bras. However, defibrillators can significantly improve survival rates in cardiac arrest cases if used promptly.
A substantial portion of respondents indicated they are less inclined to provide CPR to women in public settings. Nevertheless, most agreed that proper training and support would increase their comfort levels in responding to emergencies.
It is crucial to address these issues and dispel misconceptions that hinder life-saving efforts. Everyone should be willing to assist others in need, regardless of gender. Touching someone to save their life should never be considered inappropriate or embarrassing.
It is imperative to change these perceptions and ensure that individuals are prepared to act swiftly in emergencies. Gender should not determine the likelihood of receiving life-saving interventions, and everyone deserves equal chances of survival.