The Hidden Inequality in Cardiac Arrest Response: Why Women Receive Less CPR — and How Society Can Change It.

When someone collapses and has a cardiac arrest, every second counts. Immediate CPR can double or even triple the chance of survival. Yet across the UK, women are significantly less likely to receive CPR from a bystander — even when the cardiac arrest happens in public.

This gender gap is costing lives, and it’s time we talk about it.

Understanding the CPR Gender Gap

Research across Europe and the UK shows a consistent pattern:

• Only around 68% of women receive bystander CPR, compared with 73% of men.

• Women are also less likely to survive to hospital discharge. In one study, survival for women was 37%, compared with 55% for men.

• Even when the cardiac arrest is witnessed, women still receive CPR less often.

These numbers may look small, but in cardiac arrest, small differences are life‑changing. Every minute without CPR reduces survival chances by up to 10%.

Why Are Women Less Likely to Receive CPR?

1. Fear of Touching a Woman’s Chest

A major barrier is discomfort or fear of accusations when touching a woman’s chest during CPR.

• 33% of men surveyed feared being accused of inappropriate touching.

• Nearly a quarter of people admitted they are less likely to give CPR to a woman in public.

This hesitation is deadly. CPR is performed on the sternum, not the breasts — and saving a life must override social discomfort.

2. Concerns About Exposing the Chest for AED Use

AED pads must be placed on bare skin. For women, this may require removing or cutting a bra, which some bystanders feel uncomfortable doing.

But AEDs are designed for speed, not modesty. Delays cost lives.

3. Misconceptions About Causing Harm

Many people worry CPR might injure women more easily. In reality, CPR technique is identical regardless of gender or body type. A broken rib is survivable — cardiac arrest without CPR is not.

4. Lack of Realistic CPR Training

Most CPR manikins represent male bodies. This means learners rarely practice CPR on a female chest, contributing to uncertainty and hesitation in real emergencies.

A Call to Action

Women are dying because society hesitates. Not because people don’t care — but because they’re unsure, unprepared, or afraid of doing the wrong thing.

By delivering inclusive training, challenging misconceptions, and empowering communities to act without hesitation, we can close the CPR gender gap and save more lives.

If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally: 

Call 999. Start CPR. Use an AED. Regardless of gender.