As a responsible person, you may know that Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique crucial during cardiac emergencies. But are there differences in the way women are given (or not given) CPR and do you know it can become life-threatening? Are women given as much attention as men in moments of crisis?
Queries like these are not just a matter of curiosity but a significant factor that can impact the effectiveness of this procedure.
In this article, we aim to go into CPR in greater detail, examining if and how the approach differs when assisting women. We hope to dispel common myths and provide key insights into gender-specific considerations in urgent medical response.
Understanding the reasons for existing differences can enhance our preparedness and efficiency in critical situations, ensuring that our reactions are as inclusive as they are efficient.
Some information needs to be stressed here.
CPR is a procedure performed when the heart stops beating, which is important in saving lives during cardiac arrest. It involves chest compressions to preserve intact brain function and maintain blood circulation manually. (We like to call CPR givers our Heartstrong Heroes.)
CPR’s role is vital – it can double or even triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival, mainly if performed immediately. But, while the fundamental principles remain consistent, cardiac events can manifest differently in women compared to men, affecting the approach to instant care.
According to Mayo Clinic, women often experience subtler symptoms of a heart attack, such as nausea, fatigue, and dizziness, rather than the classic chest pain. This variance can lead to delays in recognizing cardiac distress in women, impacting the timely administration of CPR.
Additionally, studies suggest that bystanders may be less likely to perform CPR on women, possibly due to misconceptions about physical differences or fear of causing bodily harm.
Understanding these gender-related issues and overcoming hesitations in providing CPR can help in enhancing response times for women. Acknowledging and adapting to these differences ensures that men and women receive appropriate and life-saving interventions.
There are eye-opening macro and micro research insights.
According to Audrey L. Blewer et al., writing in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, a top-level research study found that 45% of men received bystander CPR compared with only 39% of women. Thus, men had 23% higher odds of survival than women.
What could be the reasons female patients get less help than they should? The answer is more apparent when looking at other micro research.
According to Laura Williamson, writing in the American Heart Association News, more insights come from their survey of 520 men and women who were asked to rank potential reasons someone might not want to provide bystander CPR to a woman based on the gender of the rescuer.
The findings? The reluctance may be fueled by worries of being accused of “inappropriateness” or doing physical harm. Both men and women apparently said the most significant reason male rescuers would refrain from giving CPR to a woman was fear of being accused of improper behavior. In contrast, the biggest reason a female rescuer might not assist was fear of harming the victim.
Some respondents also said a male or female rescuer might have a misconception that women are not as prone to cardiac arrests as men. If these are the research findings, it is vital for the medical fraternity to try and dispel such negative thinking.
Many doubts exist about the technique of administering CPR to women.
A commonly prevalent misconception is that women require gentler or different chest compression techniques – because standard CPR demands heavy chest compressions, and the fear of breaking ribs exists more for female patients than adult male patients. Tentative CPR may result in poorer outcomes.
In reality, the fundamental CPR procedure remains the same regardless of gender. Effective CPR involves pressing down at least two inches into the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, a guideline that applies universally.
Another concern often raised is about women’s anatomy. Firstly, this subject is not addressed strongly enough, even in training classes, due to a reluctance to discuss it. However, it is crucial to teach students how to locate the correct hand position for giving women CPR – which is the center of the chest, on the sternum, between the breasts.
According to MRS Training & Rescue, any underclothing or jewelry interfering with the CPR process should be unfastened, loosened, or even removed. This suggests the need for sensitivity in preserving enough privacy for women cardiac patients in crowded places.
Promoting CPR training that includes scenarios with female mannequins can help normalize the practice and reduce discomfort or misconceptions about providing aid to women.
There are many psychological layers that must be addressed.
According to Sarah M. Perman, MD MSCE, et al., writing in HHS Author Manuscripts, cultural stigmas and social taboos play a significant role in the administration of CPR, particularly regarding women. Societal and cultural norms can influence the willingness of bystanders to perform CPR on women, potentially impacting their survival rates.
For instance, in cultures where contact between genders is restricted (even in non-crisis situations), a willing helper may face a moral conflict between cultural norms and the urgency to save a life.
In some cases, physical contact between genders may be further restricted or viewed with skepticism, especially in public settings. All this can lead to hesitation or refusal to perform chest compressions on women, even in life-threatening situations.
Promoting gender-inclusive training and awareness can help mitigate hesitations and ensure that everyone, irrespective of gender, receives the necessary and timely help.
As with men, women, too, need proactive heart care rather than reactive.
Women who have chronic conditions such as obesity, cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension – along with other hereditary factors – must realize it can all have a multiplicative impact on their heart.
Regular checkups to monitor these conditions – and adopting the much-needed lifestyle changes along with medical regimens – are the ways to mitigate these risks.
Also, all this self-care must be done to avoid the potential for cardiac emergencies, while aiming to stay heart-healthy and live a vibrant life. Women of all ages and occupations must know that good health should be their top priority, and they must safeguard the heart because it plays a major role in well-being.
While understanding the nuances of administering CPR to women is essential, the overarching message is this: everyone should aim to be CPR proficient. Training in CPR equips us all with the confidence and competence to respond effectively in life-and-death situations, transcending gender issues and hesitations.
Such training reinforces the importance of immediate and appropriate action, ensuring equal care regardless of whether the patient is a male or female. Embracing this knowledge and skill set prepares us for critical situations and fosters a more compassionate and responsive community. Be CPR-aware. Save lives. Be a Heartstrong Hero.
