30/03/2026
💔 Women are less likely to survive cardiac arrest - but why?
A lot of attention has focused on something seemingly small: CPR manikins. Most are flat-chested and some have suggested that this is a key reason bystanders hesitate to perform CPR on women.
But the research tells a more nuanced story. Perman et al., 2019 show that women are about 14% less likely to receive bystander CPR in the U.S., and surveys reveal that hesitation stems from multiple sources such as fear of causing harm, concern about social or legal repercussions, and general discomfort.
💡 Could more realistic manikins help? Possibly, especially in reinforcing comfort during training. But improving survival for women after cardiac arrest will require broader strategies:
➡️ Public education on the importance of CPR for everyone
➡️ Legal protections and clear messaging for lay rescuers
➡️ Inclusive, realistic CPR training that addresses hesitation
➡️ Further study to identify and overcome the disparity
CPR isn’t just a skill — it’s a societal responsibility. Every body deserves a fighting chance.
Reference: Perman SM et al. Gender disparities in bystander CPR. J Am Heart Assoc. 2019;8(21):e012992.
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