Women’s Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates Lower Than Men’s: The Importance of Awareness and Action
Women are less likely to survive cardiac arrest than men, why? Because bystanders are afraid of touching their breasts. According to research published in the European Heart Journal. The study, led by Dr. Hanno Tan from the University of Amsterdam, highlights that women face lower survival rates primarily because they are less likely to receive bystander CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). The findings reveal that only 68% of women receive CPR from bystanders, compared to 73% of men.
Fear of inappropriate Touching
People are afraid of being accused of inappropriate touching or sexual harassment. However, the Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism (SARAH) Act 2015 reassures bystanders that they are legally protected when acting reasonably and in good faith to help someone in distress. This law encourages heroic actions without the fear of liability.
Fear of Causing Harm
Studies indicate that bystanders are less likely to perform CPR on women due to fear of causing injury. However, when a casualty is not breathing, regardless of male or female, CPR MUST be started. The technique for performing CPR is the same for both men and women. Immediate and effective chest compressions significantly improve survival chances and can prevent the deterioration of the casualty.
Misconception or difficulty in recognizing symptoms
People believe that women are less likely to have a Cardiac arrest then men. Recognition is key to survival. Women are more likely to experience symptoms such as fatigue, fainting, vomiting, and neck or jaw pain. Men commonly report chest pain. This underscores the importance of checking for normal breathing in any collapsed individual, regardless of symptoms. If the person is not breathing, CPR should be initiated immediately, and emergency services (999) should be called.
Fear of Causing Embarrassment
Women may also face delays in receiving defibrillation, a critical intervention during cardiac arrest. Proper placement of AED pads requires exposing the chest. Some bystanders may hesitate to do so out of fear of embarrassment or discomfort, but in a life-threatening situation, saving a life takes precedence. Once the pads are attached the casualty’s dignity can be protected by covering this over with a blanket or their own clothing. But any delay in CPR or the defibrillation will cause a deterioration in the casualty and with the survival rate.
Religious beliefs
Some religious beliefs prohibit women to be touch by anyone else apart from her husband or family member.
Every second counts during a cardiac arrest, so knowing the basic’s and being confident to use these skills regardless of gender is going to save lives. By equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills to act decisively, you can make a life-saving difference.
Are you willing to be a superhero and save change this gender gap in Cardiac arrest survival rate between men and women.
Contact Orbital Safety Training if you would like to know more about equipping yourself with this knowledge
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