Save my life not my modesty – Red Sky Foundation

This Wear Red Day Red Sky Foundation is shining a light on heart health and continuing to educate people about delivering CPR.

Here’s an interesting fact though – women are significantly less likely to survive a cardiac arrest than men are. Not because of genetic or lifestyle differences but because people are less likely to administer CPR on a woman because of our breasts. It’s not even that they get in the way, it’s simple fear.

Research by St John’s ambulance found that 33% of men would not administer CPR on a female for fear of being accused of touching them inappropriately, whist 13% of women would also be reluctant to perform CPR on another female.

Previous research has shown that more than 8,200 women in England and Wales could have survived a heart attack if they had been given the same treatment as men, according to an analysis of data from between 2003 and 2013.

This issue is potentially compounded by CPR demo mannequins all taking the appearance of men. Studies cited by JEMS (Journal of Emergency Medical Services) show that trainees using mannequins with silicone breast attachments were nearly twice as comfortable performing CPR on women, reducing bias, increasing confidence, and ultimately, saving more lives.

With this in mind Red Sky Foundation ordered a new mannequin that would take on the female form. Imagine our disappointment when another flat-chested masculine mannequin arrived.

The disparity doesn’t end there. According to Bra off Defib On women are a further 15% less likely to survive safe use of an AED compared to men. Defibrillators need to be in contact with skin and will not work effectively through fabric. The metal underwires in women’s bras make matters worse and can even result in first degree burns if a shock is administered whilst an underwired bra is worn.

Women are dying because people are scared of repercussions of delivering life saving interventions. So here’s the choice ladies; save your modesty and die or be saved by bystander CPR and defibrillation, and live with the knowledge your breasts were uncovered in public. I know which I choose.

Find out more 👉 https://braoffdefibon.co.uk