The NHS has warned that some women could miss out on potentially life-saving treatment during a serious medical emergency because of one body part. The health service says men are more likely to receive immediate CPR because they do not have breasts.
In a social media post, the NHS stated that women are 27% less likely to receive CPR from a bystander than men. According to the health service, their breasts were said to be one of the main reasons someone would think twice about helping.
One in three reluctant to help
The findings said: "One in three people are reluctant to perform CPR on a woman in public due to concerns about touching her breasts." The NHS emphasises that every second is critical during a medical emergency.
Cardiac arrest typically strikes without warning and occurs when the heart abruptly stops pumping blood throughout the body. The affected person will lose consciousness and may cease breathing altogether.
NHS urges immediate action
The NHS added: "When someone experiences a cardiac arrest, everyone deserves the same chance of receiving potentially life-saving treatment. If a woman is in cardiac arrest, don't hesitate. Call 999 and start CPR."
Research indicates that sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remains a considerable global health concern, particularly when it strikes outside of hospital settings. It is the leading cause of death across European countries and the United States.
Training on female mannequins
A study published in 2025 revealed that men frequently hesitated to carry out CPR on a woman "due to concerns about physical contact, particularly regarding removing clothing during resuscitation". The researchers also discovered that the majority of participants who were trained in CPR had never practised on female mannequins, despite widespread backing, particularly amongst women, for including female models in training sessions.
How to learn CPR
In the UK, CPR can be learnt through free online interactive tools or by booking a hands-on, in-person training course with a leading national provider. For full, hands-on certification or workplace compliance, you can book formal basic life support or first aid courses through trusted national bodies such as St John Ambulance or the British Red Cross.
If you want to learn the basics immediately, the British Heart Foundation has a free interactive online session. All you need is your phone or tablet and a cushion to practice chest compressions. It guides you through recognising cardiac arrest, calling 999, and using a defibrillator. The guidance for giving CPR to children and babies is different from that for adults.
In Wales, the national campaign by NHS Wales promotes community CPR and defibrillator awareness across Wales. You can access awareness materials and guidance via NHS Wales Performance and Improvement.
