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Why Women Are Less Likely to Be Resuscitated
Stand: 16.10.2026
In the event of cardiac arrest, every second counts. Yet women are resuscitated less often than men in public spaces. International studies show that bystanders are more likely to administer first aid to men than to women, with noticeable consequences for survival rates. This has to change.
Paying bills internationally—unfortunately, not an option in Germany
A recent study by the Medical University of Innsbruck shows just how big the difference actually is:
In a simulated CPR scenario, first responders scored an average of 80.4 out of a possible 100 points on a male training manikin
On a female manikin equipped with a wig, bra, and silicone breasts, they scored only 70.5 points.
Particularly striking: Many participants hesitated to remove the bra completely. As a result, they lost valuable time. This effect was even evident among people with prior experience, such as those from emergency medical services.
A Canadian study of approximately 40,000 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest shows that men were 68 percent as likely to receive first aid from bystanders, while women were only 61 percent as likely. A U.S. study reached a similar conclusion: Women there were 14 percent less likely to receive CPR in public spaces—resulting in correspondingly lower chances of survival.
This issue is also relevant in Germany: According to the German Resuscitation Registry, an average of 370 people per day suffered a cardiovascular arrest outside a hospital in 2024. In about half of these cases, resuscitation was not initiated by bystanders but only by emergency medical services. Unfortunately, data on gender differences is still not collected in Germany.
Why: Shame and Fear
The main reason is a psychological barrier: To find the correct pressure point for chest compressions, the upper body must be completely exposed. However, many first responders are reluctant to undress a woman they don’t know. This is due to shame or fear that they might be accused of sexual assault.
This fear is one of the most frequently cited reasons for hesitation. However, it is unfounded. In Germany, everyone is legally obligated to provide first aid: anyone who fails to help is even liable to prosecution for failure to render aid. On the other hand, anyone who provides assistance in an emergency and takes the necessary measures to the best of their knowledge and belief—including exposing the chest to locate the compression point—is acting lawfully. They have no reason to fear criminal consequences.
The reason lies in the training
In most first-aid courses, training is still conducted exclusively on male or androgynous manikins. It stands to reason: What has never been practiced in class is more difficult to do in a real emergency. And this is precisely where a growing number of institutions are stepping in, now incorporating female CPR manikins into their training.
An issue in Erlangen as well
The resuscitation gender gap is not an abstract problem; it also affects our city: With few exceptions, anyone taking a first-aid course here practices on traditional, male-modeled manikins. The city of Erlangen should lead by example in this regard. That is why the city’s Office for Gender Equality has taken the initiative to procure female CPR manikins for the city’s first-aid courses in the future. This will allow first responders to practice emergency procedures on a body that more closely resembles reality. And so that women are helped just as naturally as men in an emergency.
Good to know
When it comes to CPR itself, there is no medical difference between men and women. Compressions are performed in the center of the bare chest, firmly and quickly. In an emergency, the rule is: don’t hesitate—act. Experts agree: you can’t do anything wrong when performing CPR. The only mistake is not helping at all out of shame or fear. Because with every minute that passes without resuscitation, the chance of survival drops significantly.
Finally, a question:
When was the last time YOU actually took a first-aid course? Please remember to refresh your knowledge regularly!
The Office for Gender Equality supports all residents of Erlangen and employees of the Erlangen City Administration. We aim to realize the fundamental right to gender equality in all areas of social life and view this as a cross-cutting priority.
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The Office for Gender Equality supports all residents of Erlangen and employees of the Erlangen City Administration. We aim to realize the fundamental right to gender equality in all areas of social life and view this as a cross-cutting priority.
