Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : November 26, 2024 3:05 PM IST
CPR involves chest compressions, which means pressing down on the person's chest to help pump blood through the body, when the heart is not functioning momentarily. (Photo: Freepik)
Once again, the spotlight is placed on the gap that exists in the healthcare system, when it comes to the treatment of men and women. According to a recent study, since CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation is usually practised on mannequins that do not have breasts and are flat-chested, women who need this life-saving first-aid procedure are less likely to receive help from passers-by, who may know CPR but not be aware as to how to perform it on a person with breasts.
According to a Guardian report, the study was led by one Dr Rebecca Szabo, who is the lead of the Gandel Simulation Service at the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne. Dr Szabo and team analysed the different kinds of mannequin models available in the global market, which are designed for CPR training on adults.
They found that of the 20 different models, all had flat torsos, except for one that had a 'breast overlay'. While eight of the mannequins were identified as 'male', seven of them had no gender specified.
The study was published in the journal 'Health Promotion International'. Researchers have presented their findings as an 'equity' issue between men and women, with grave consequences that raises questions on an individual's 'right to health'.
The Guardian report also mentioned that in June this year, an Australian research paper stated that females are 'less likely' to receive bystander CPR, and more likely to succumb to a cardiac arrest, while waiting for help to arrive.
Similarly, a survey conducted by St John Ambulance in the UK -- published in October 2024 -- found that women in Britain, who go into cardiac arrest in public, are less likely to receive chest compressions from bystanders, since they worry about 'touching their breasts'. That is not the case with men, who receive assistance almost immediately.
It is evident from these findings that there is a need to close this gap and to ensure women get the medical help they need during moments of emergency. And that can happen only when there is more awareness about CPR. It starts in the training stage, and with having more inclusive and diverse designs when it comes to the models.
CPR involves chest compressions, which means pressing down on the person's chest to help pump blood through the body, when the heart is not functioning momentarily. It may also require one to give rescue breaths to help oxygenate the person's blood. CPR is a mandatory part of first-aid training across the world. This life-saving technique can restore blood circulation and breathing in a person who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating.
