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Writer's pictureNicholas Shelley

CPR and the Sexes



Did you know that women are less likely to receive CPR from a bystander than men are?

A 2018 study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes found 45% of men received bystander CPR compared with only 39% of women. Men had 23% higher odds of survival than women.


That is a crazy statistic, isn’t it?


Maybe not; according to a study published 9 Nov 2020 and presented at the American Heart Association's virtual Resuscitation Science Symposium, 520 men and women were asked to rank potential reasons why someone might not want to provide CPR to a woman. Men stated that they are less likely to provide CPR to women due to the fear of being accused of sexual assault. Women rescuers cited fears of hurting or injuring the recipient. Additionally, both men and women stated that, “the rescuer may have a misconception that women don't have cardiac arrests or think a woman was being overdramatic”, which points to a lack of education issue.


Combating Misconceptions


Here at EMP2C, it is our opinion that everyone deserves an opportunity to receive life saving CPR, so how do we combat these issues?


Be loud and proud

When I teach a CPR class, I always recommend that people verbalize everything they are doing, loudly. I recommend this for several reasons. For example, if you are in a single rescuer situation, your loud verbalizations could bring in a bystander or a more qualified medical provider. Additionally, as you should be on the phone with a dispatcher, your explanation of what you are doing creates an open communication and information loop.


In this situation, verbalizing everything your doing serves a similar purpose. By stating, “I am placing my hands on your breast bone to start compressions”, or “ I am removing your shirt to better assess the injury you have received to your abdomen”. You are telling the injured person (if conscious) or bystanders what you intend to do and why, allowing for consent to further be granted or to provide context to bystanders in the event of an accusation.


Let the law work for you

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have a Good Samaritan law, in addition to Federal laws for specific circumstances. Maryland’s Good Samaritan law protects both the general public and EMT’s and First Responders, with a few provisions. Maryland’s Good Samaritan law for civil cases says that a member of the general public cannot be held civilly liable for any act you do (or acts you should do but don’t do) when providing assistance or medical aid at the scene of an emergency.


General Public

- Must provide aid in a reasonably prudent manner.

- Provide aid without the expectation of a fee or compensation.

- Relinquish care to a certified first responder when they arrive.


EMT’s and First Responders

- Covers acts and omissions while rendering aid or medical care, so long as the injured person is not being charged.

- Applies at the scene of an emergency, in transit to emergency care or while communicating with other medical personnel.

- Covers those who are licensed or certified by the state or have completed an advanced first aid course via the American Red Cross or equivalent agency.


Get Educated

The final thing that we can do to combat these issues is to get educated. One of the concerns above was that responders may hurt the individual they are helping. Studies have shown that the probability of injury from receiving CPR is very low. Most reported injuries consist of soreness, sensitivity, and bruising.


We also must consider that the likelihood of someone who is untrained to perform CPR also has a much higher chance of injuring someone or performing an act that is inappropriate and/ or constitutes instances of “gross negligence”.


Finally, lets inject a little common sense.


NEWS FLASH! The person is DYING, if you do not help them (even if it means potentially injuring them) they are likely going to be die, not just hurt. If they live, and suffer a minor injury, I am sure they would thank you as opposed to attempting to sue you.


Bringing it all together


According to AHA statistics, more than 350,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur outside the hospital each year. Appropriate bystander intervention can easily double or triple a person’s rate of survival if started immediately. Let’s get educated, let the law work for us and be loud and proud in giving CPR to people who need it, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, religion, disability or status as a veteran.

If you are interested in learning more or become certified in life saving CPR or First Aid, don’t hesitate to visit www.emp2c.com/firstaid . We offer everything from basic Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED or more advanced classes such as Wilderness and Remote First Aid, CPR for the professional rescuer or Basic Life Support.


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