Down Training & Development

Female CPR training

CPR, DEFIBRILLATION AND BRAS: AN IMPORTANT TRAINING CONVERSATION

Women are less likely than men to receive bystander CPR, and this is a gap that first aid training can help to close. Recent campaign data used by ambulance services highlights that women are around 27% less likely to receive bystander CPR than men, with hesitation often linked to uncertainty about touching or exposing the chest, removing clothing, or placing defibrillator pads correctly.

THE KEY MESSAGE FOR LEARNERS
In a cardiac arrest, lifesaving action comes first. CPR technique does not change because a person has breasts, and AED pads must be placed directly onto bare skin in the correct position.

AED pad placement with bra adjusted AED pad placement on a female casualty
Resuscitation Council UK advises that if someone is wearing a bra, it may be possible to adjust or lift the fabric so the pads can be placed correctly on bare skin without delay; however, if the bra interferes with correct pad positioning, it should be removed or cut away.

In practical terms, the quickest and clearest way to apply AED pads is often to cut or remove the bra, especially where it obstructs the correct pad position. Learners should understand that they do not need to feel embarrassed or hesitate: preserving life is the priority. Once the pads are in place, clothing can be placed back over the chest where possible to help preserve dignity without delaying treatment.

TRAINING POINT TO USE IN CLASS
“Do not delay CPR or defibrillation because someone is wearing a bra. Start CPR immediately. When the AED arrives, expose the chest, place the pads on bare skin in the correct position, and remove or cut the bra if it gets in the way. The priority is saving a life.”