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Why Women Are Less Likely to Receive CPR

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February marks both American Heart Month and Go Red for Women. This makes it the perfect time to discuss overall heart health and the impact of heart disease, and related biases, on women. For example: did you know that women are less likely to receive CPR from a bystander than men? This was the finding of a recent survey, and it translates to greater impacts for women of all demographics.

According to a 2018 survey discussed by the American Heart Association, 45% of men received bystander CPR, compared to 39% of women. Overall, men had a 23% higher likelihood of survival than women.

women receive CPR
photo credit: @giulia_bertelli accessed 2/3/21 via CC0

To ensure better outcomes for women suffering from cardiac arrest, here are a few ways to promote and encourage performing bystander CPR on women.

Why Are Women Less Likely to Receive CPR Than Men?

Survey respondents gave three primary reasons for their reluctance to perform CPR on women.

  1. Fear of being accused of inappropriate physical contact or sexual assault
  2. Fear of harming the victim
  3. The misconception that women don’t have cardiac arrests or are being overdramatic

For men, the first reason is the most prevalent, and the second is most prevalent for women.

How to Encourage Bystanders to Perform CPR on Women

Education is one of the easiest and most effective ways to dispel myths and encourage bystanders to perform CPR on women. For example, there is a very small probability of injuring someone by administering CPR on them. If that is more widely known and understood, there might be less hesitance.

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In addition, greater education about the necessity of performing CPR could help, especially when helping people overcome fears of sexual assault accusations. When a woman is in medical distress, help is necessary, even if it feels inappropriate at the time.

Training more people on how to perform hands-free CPR could significantly reduce this disparity. Consider hosting a CPR course for your workplace, or register for a virtual class.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

What’s the Difference Between Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

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Many people associate CPR with heart attacks. However, because heart attacks usually don’t cause the heart to stop beating, CPR is not often needed following a heart attack. In contrast, a sudden cardiac arrest occurs suddenly, without warning, and stops the heart from pumping blood. This is when CPR is needed to save the patient’s life, and to preserve brain and organ function.

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What are other differences between heart attack and cardiac arrest? We turned to the American Heart Association for more information.

What is a Heart Attack?

When a blocked artery prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a section of the heart, that part of the heart begins to die. If the blocked artery is not reopened, damage can be severe.

Because of the gradual nature of a heart attack, symptoms often begin and build slowly, over the course of several hours, days, or even weeks. And symptoms vary, especially between men and women. It’s important to know and be able to recognize symptoms and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

sudden cardiac arrest
photo credit: @averey accessed 12/2/20 via CC0

What is a Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Unlike the slow build of a heart attack, a sudden cardiac arrest occurs with little warning. The effects are immediate. Cardiac arrest is triggered by an irregular heartbeat (also known as arrhythmia). This disrupts the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body.

Without CPR performed by a bystander or medical professional, the patient will lose consciousness and die in a matter of minutes. Even if the patient survives, the lack of blood and oxygen to the brain and organs could cause permanent damage. This is why it’s vitally important for bystanders to know CPR – and be ready and willing to perform it when necessary.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications! Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

American Heart Association Issues New CPR Guidelines

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In the new CPR guidelines recently issued by the American Heart Association, the importance of bystander CPR was re-emphasized. “Cardiac arrest is a life-or-death situation,” the AHA committee chair said. “When every second counts, it’s important for lay people to be ready and willing to start CPR.”

The new guidelines recommend that bystanders CPR even if they aren’t sure whether the victim is in cardiac arrest. The risk of harm from CPR is low – especially when compared to the potential risk of cardiac arrest.

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New CPR Guidelines Focus on Recovery

CPR guidelines
photo credit: @shvetsa accessed 10/30/20 via CC0

In a change, the new CPR guidelines add recovery to the “chain of survival.” The chain of survival is a series of actions that determine how and to what extent a patient will recover from cardiac arrest. Those actions include calling 911, performing CPR, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The new recovery phase includes treatment, surveillance and rehabilitation, which includes monitoring and treating depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress caused by the cardiac arrest and heart disease treatment.

Expanding Bystander CPR

The new guidelines also included efforts to encourage bystander CPR. The AHA suggests leveraging mobile phone technology to alert bystanders of a nearby cardiac event. In addition, there is a need for bystander training tailored to specific racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic populations that traditionally have lower rates of bystander CPR.

Ready to learn CPR? HeartCert is here to help. We’re offering virtual CPR training options to keep our students safe. Contact us to learn more.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications! Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

What is CPR and Why Is It Important?

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At HeartCert CPR, we talk a lot about the lifesaving importance of CPR. But we realize that, for those who don’t work in the medical field, CPR may not be so familiar. So we’re going to get back to basics: what is CPR, and why should everyone be able to perform it? We turned to the American Heart Association for help breaking it down.

what is cpr
photo credit: @karolina-grabowska accessed 10/3/20 via CC0

What is CPR?

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is performed when the heart stops beating, with the goal of keeping the blood flow active, even partially, in order to continue the flow of oxygen throughout the body.

Why is CPR Important?

CPR that is performed immediately after cardiac arrest can double or triple the chances of survival. Every year in the United States, 475,000 people die of cardiac arrest. If more people were trained and ready to perform CPR, that number could be significantly decreased.

How to Perform CPR

There are two standard ways to perform CPR:

  1. Hands-Only CPR. This is commonly performed by laypeople or bystanders who witness someone in cardiac distress. Hands-only CPR is what it sounds like – performing CPR chest compressions, without mouth-to-mouth breaths.
  2. Conventional CPR. This involves chest compressions in conjunction with mouth-to-mouth breathing. It is most commonly performed by healthcare providers and emergency medical workers.

Anyone who performs CPR should focus on these five critical components:

  • Ensure appropriate hand placement
  • Maintain consistency in chest compressions
  • Make sure compressions of are an adequate rate and depth
  • Don’t lean on the patient between compressions
  • Avoid excessive ventilation

 

CPR can help you save a life. Ready to learn? HeartCert is offering virtual CPR training options to keep our students safe. Contact us to learn more.

Register For a CPR Class

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

 

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications! Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Tips for Caregiving During COVID-19

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Caring for ill or elderly family members can be difficult in the best of times, but for many, the pandemic has made caregiving even more stressful. People who receive daily care tend to be older or dealing with long-term illness, making them more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. So in addition to the usual physical care needs, caregivers will need to take extra steps to protect the health of their loved ones. Further, there are additional needs related to mental health, medical care planning and coordination, and a caregiver’s own health.

caregiving
photo credit: @pixabay accessed 7/16/20 via CC0

There are a few things that caregivers can to do make caregiving more manageable during the pandemic.

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Be sure that you are prepared to handle any situation that could arise, whether caused by COVID-19 or not. The majority of cardiac arrests happen at home, so being able to perform hands-only CPR could make all the difference for your loved one.

Plan for Medication and Necessary Supplies

  • Try to get 90-day (or longer) supplies of prescriptions. Look into drive-through pharmacies or medication delivery.
  • Make a list of necessary home care supplies, such as delivery mechanisms for treatment or medication, and distilled water for CPAP machines. Obtain a larger stock of supplies if possible.

Discuss Treatment Options

  • Learn whether your loved one’s medical team is doing telemedicine visits, and how to access all members of the team virtually.
  • Discuss whether your loved one will need to be physically present for any procedures, such as tests or blood draws, and the safety precautions being taken.

Make a Safety Plan

  • Keep up with all safety recommendations, such as masks and social distancing. Ensure that all who come into contact with your loved one are taking precautions.

Finalize Health Care Wishes and Directives

  • Ensure that all legal documents are up to date, and have candid conversations about your loved one’s wishes.

Don’t Forget Mental Health

  • If you or your loved one are feeling anxious or isolated, make your mental health and happiness a priority. Reach out to a therapist if you need help.

Care for Yourself

If you’re ready to learn CPR and first aid to protect your loved one, HeartCert is here to help. We’re offering virtual CPR training options to keep our students safe. Contact us to learn more.

Register For a CPR Class

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout greater Minnesota. HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Learn CPR Without Leaving Home

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Although stay-home orders are slowly being relaxed in Minnesota, many people remain reluctant to leave home for anything non-essential. The good news is that many businesses have adapted to this new normal, offering curbside pickup, online ordering, telehealth appointments and more.

In order to continue providing CPR training to medical professionals, essential workers and laypeople who wish to become CPR certified, HeartCert CPR is now offering virtual CPR classes that can be fully completed at home.

In our virtual CPR courses, students watch interactive training videos and complete written tests online, from home. We send a CPR manikin and supplies in the mail. Then, we schedule a virtual skill session with one of our instructors.

Watch this short video for instructions on how to assemble your manikin at home.

Once you’ve completed all portions of the virtual training, you’ll receive a two-year American Red Cross certification card. (If you need an American Heart Association certification, please contact us.)

We are also still holding in-person CPR training courses. We have taken all necessary safety measures, including disinfecting and social distancing. Take a look at our course schedule.

How Can We Help?

Do you have questions about virtual CPR training, in-person classes and safety precautions, AHA certification cards, or any other aspect of the HeartCert CPR training process? Give us a call at 651-261-2314.

Protect the hearts of those around you by taking a CPR/AED course with HeartCert CPR. Register for a virtual CPR course today.

Register For a CPR Class

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout greater Minnesota. HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.