CPR Must Not Be Delayed Because the Casualty Is a Woman
When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, immediate action can mean the difference between life and death. Yet research shows that women are less likely than men to receive timely CPR from a bystander.
Fear of touching the chest, uncertainty about hand placement and concerns about exposing the casualty can all contribute to hesitation. In a cardiac arrest, however, there is no time for embarrassment or delay.
CPR is performed in the same way on a woman as it is on a man.
How to Recognise a Cardiac Arrest
Someone may be in cardiac arrest if they:
- Collapse or are found unresponsive
- Do not respond when you speak to them or gently shake their shoulders
- Are not breathing normally
Occasional gasps, slow irregular breathing or unusual snoring-like noises are not normal breathing and may be signs of cardiac arrest.
If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 999 immediately. Put the phone on loudspeaker and follow the ambulance call handler’s instructions.
How to Perform CPR on a Woman
Place the casualty flat on her back on a firm surface and begin chest compressions as quickly as possible.
- Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest, on the breastbone.
- Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
- Keep your arms straight, with your shoulders directly above your hands.
- Push down firmly by approximately 5–6 centimetres.
- Release the pressure fully after each compression.
- Continue at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
Your hands should be positioned in the centre of the chest. Breast tissue does not change the correct position for chest compressions.
If you are trained and confident in providing rescue breaths, give 30 chest compressions followed by two breaths. If you are unable or unwilling to give rescue breaths, continue uninterrupted chest compressions until professional help takes over or the casualty shows clear signs of life.
Watch: If They Drop – Don’t Stop
A huge thank you to Liam Dodds for producing and sharing this excellent video highlighting an issue that is not discussed often enough.
Using an AED on a Woman
An automated external defibrillator, or AED, should be used as quickly as possible. Anyone can use an AED—you do not need to be a healthcare professional or trained first aider. The device will assess the casualty’s heart rhythm and provide clear spoken instructions.
The chest must be exposed so that the AED pads can be placed directly on bare skin. Clothing, including the bra where necessary, should be removed or cut away without delaying treatment.
- Place one pad below the right collarbone.
- Place the second pad on the lower left side of the chest, directly below the armpit.
- Ensure the pad is placed firmly against the skin and clear of breast tissue.
Do Not Let Embarrassment Delay Lifesaving Treatment
During a cardiac arrest, preserving someone’s dignity should never come before attempting to preserve their life.
Do not hesitate because the casualty is a woman. Do not worry about removing clothing when it is necessary to use an AED. Do not allow concerns about what other people might think to prevent you from acting.
Someone in cardiac arrest needs immediate treatment, regardless of their gender. Resuscitation Council UK advises bystanders to act when someone is unconscious and not breathing normally, irrespective of whether the casualty is a man or woman. Women are currently less likely to receive timely bystander CPR, making public awareness particularly important.
Remember These Four Actions
- Call 999
- Start CPR
- Send someone to find an AED
- Follow the AED and ambulance call handler’s instructions
The NHS advises calling 999 and beginning CPR immediately when someone is unconscious and not breathing normally. AED pads should be applied to the bare chest, below the right collarbone and on the left side below the armpit.
Every second counts. Your willingness to act could save a life.
If They Drop – Don’t Stop
Please watch and share the video. The more people understand that CPR must be performed confidently on women as well as men, the more lives we may be able to save.
Build Lifesaving Confidence with First Aid Training
Consult CPK provides accredited first aid, Basic Life Support and AED training for businesses, organisations and individuals across Northern Ireland.
Practical training can give your team the confidence to recognise a cardiac arrest, perform effective CPR and use an AED without hesitation.
View Consult CPK’s accredited and bespoke training courses or contact Consult CPK to discuss first aid training for your workplace.