Study: Women’s Breasts Reason Why Bystanders Feel Uncomfortable Giving CPR

A study that sheds light on a concerning gender disparity in the administration of CPR by bystanders reveals that women are significantly less likely to receive life-saving assistance compared to men in cases of cardiac arrest in public settings. 

The reason? Well, there’s technically two of them — Her breasts.

The study, led by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and involving nearly 20,000 cases across the country, marks the first comprehensive examination of gender differences in receiving CPR from the public versus professional responders.

Shockingly, only 39 percent of women suffering from cardiac arrest in public received CPR, compared to 45 percent of men. This discrepancy in CPR rates translates into a staggering 23 percent higher likelihood of survival for men.

Audrey Blewer, one of the study's lead researchers, highlighted potential reasons behind this disparity, pointing to a reluctance among bystanders to administer CPR to women. Some individuals may feel hesitant or uncomfortable performing chest compressions on women due to fears of causing harm or touching a woman’s breasts. However, as emphasized by Dr. Benjamin Abella, another study leader, proper CPR technique involves placing hands on the sternum, or the middle of the chest, rather than directly on the breasts.

The implications of these findings are profound, considering that cardiac arrest claims the lives of over 350,000 Americans annually outside of hospital settings.

CPR, when administered promptly, can significantly improve survival odds, doubling or even tripling chances of survival. However, the study's results suggest a pressing need for enhanced CPR training and education.