Women are significantly less likely than men to receive lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from bystanders during cardiac arrest, despite the fact that CPR can double survival chances.

Recent international studies have revealed a persistent gender gap in CPR delivery. A 2018 U.S. study found that 45 per cent of men received bystander CPR compared to just 39 per cent of women, while Dutch research in 2019 reported similar disparities (73.9 per cent versus 69.2 per cent). Australian data echoes these findings, with cardiologists warning that hesitation and stigma are costing lives.

Why the hesitation?

Research suggests three main reasons why bystanders may hesitate to perform CPR on women:

• Fear of inappropriate touching or accusations of assault.
• Concerns about fragility, with some believing women’s bodies are more easily injured.
• Poor awareness of symptoms, as women often present atypical signs of cardiac arrest compared to men.

These misconceptions are reinforced by the fact that most CPR training manikins are flat-chested or male-presenting. Without exposure to realistic female models, trainees may feel unprepared to act in real-world scenarios.

The impact on survival

Although men are statistically more likely to experience cardiac arrest, women have higher mortality rates once it occurs. Every minute without CPR reduces survival chances by up to 10 per cent. Experts stress that hesitation in the first few minutes is often fatal.

Brisbane-based training provider My First Aid Course’s James Macy emphasises the urgency of overcoming hesitation:

“Everyone deserves to be treated fairly in an emergency. Hesitation is a killer — the first few minutes are the most valuable. We teach our students that saving a life must always come before fear or stigma, especially when it comes to Gender.”

Education and training

Innovations such as the “Womanikin” — a vest with silicone breasts fitted to CPR manikins — are being introduced in some training programs to normalise chest compressions on female bodies. Trainers in Brisbane have even adapted mannequins with bras filled with rice to simulate breast movement during compressions.

Moving forward

Experts agree that education is the key to breaking down barriers. Training with diverse manikins, raising awareness of women’s cardiac symptoms, and reinforcing Good Samaritan laws — which protect bystanders acting in good faith — can all help close the deadly gender gap.

Ultimately, CPR guidelines are the same for men and women. The message is clear: act quickly, act confidently, and remember that saving a life is always more important than misplaced fears.