Unrealistic portrayals of CPR on television are discouraging people from performing the life-saving procedure in real emergencies, a new study has warned. Researchers argue that dramatic scenes often depict complex, outdated techniques, creating a barrier for untrained bystanders who fear doing something wrong.
The Gap Between Screen and Reality
The study, published in the journal Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes, analysed US television episodes from 2008 onwards that featured out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The team from the University of Pittsburgh found that of 54 episodes where a layperson administered CPR, only 16 showed the recommended compression-only method.
In contrast, 26 episodes depicted rescue breaths alongside compressions, and 23 showed an untrained person checking for a pulse – steps that major health bodies no longer emphasise for the public. "People are gaining most of their health content from the stuff that they watch on TV," said lead author Ore Fawole, highlighting the powerful influence of entertainment.
Why Hands-Only CPR is the UK Standard
Both the American Heart Association and the UK's NHS have advised since 2008 that members of the public who are not trained should focus solely on performing chest compressions for adults. This hands-only approach simplifies the process, increasing the likelihood of bystander intervention.
Every year in the UK, there are over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF). However, global bystander CPR rates remain worryingly low, at just 35-45%. Quick action is critical, as every minute without CPR reduces the chance of survival.
"Our own advert with Vinnie Jones showing how to perform hands-only CPR gave people the confidence and skills to act, and it saved lives," said Lizzie Moscardini, RevivR programme manager at the BHF. "This new research highlights the flip side: without following the most up-to-date advice, TV can also create confusion."
Other Discrepancies in Fictional Portrayals
The research uncovered further significant deviations from real-world statistics. While about 80% of real cardiac arrests occur at home, only 20% of the TV episodes depicted this setting. Furthermore, over half of the fictional patients receiving CPR were under 40, despite the average real-life age being 62.
Dr Beth Hoffman, a co-author of the study, noted that these inaccurate depictions align with questions often raised in community training sessions. "We often have people who ask, 'When do I check for a pulse? When do I check for breaths?'... the results suggest people are being influenced by it," she said.
Taking Action: What You Need to Know
The message from health experts is clear and urgent. If you witness an adult suddenly collapse:
- Call 999 immediately.
- Place the heel of your hand in the centre of the chest, interlock your fingers, and push hard and fast. Aim for a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute – the beat of the song 'Stayin' Alive' is a common guide.
- Keep going until professional help arrives. You do not need to give rescue breaths or check for a pulse.
A 999 call handler will talk you through starting compressions. The BHF urges everyone to learn this simple skill through its free online tool, RevivR, which teaches effective CPR in just 15 minutes. As proven by cases like a 12-year-old boy who saved a man using CPR he saw on Stranger Things, having the confidence to act is what saves lives.
