Defibrillating Women: Breaking the Barrier – A Collaboration Between Defib Supplies and Bra Off, Defib On
Learn how our collaboration with Bra Off, Defib On is raising awareness about defibrillating women in cardiac emergencies.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) can happen at any time, and acting quickly saves lives. Performing CPR and using a defibrillator within minutes dramatically increases survival chances. However, studies show that women are less likely to be defibrillated in public than men. One major reason is the hesitation surrounding defibrillating women, particularly when it involves removing a bra and exposing the chest during an emergency.
At Defib Supplies, we are deeply committed to ensuring everyone receives equal, life-saving treatment during a cardiac emergency. To amplify this mission, we have partnered with Bra Off, Defib On, a charity that shares our vision of overcoming barriers when defibrillating women. Together, we are driving awareness and pushing for societal change in how women are treated during cardiac emergencies.
Why Are Women Less Likely to Be Defibrillated?
When a person collapses from cardiac arrest, every second counts. Unfortunately, many bystanders hesitate when defibrillating women due to concerns about removing a bra, especially sports bras or larger bras. But in a life-threatening situation, bras can obstruct the defibrillator pads, preventing the device from working properly.
Sports bras and larger bras in particular make it difficult to place the pads directly on the chest, which is essential for the defibrillator to deliver the electrical shock. There’s also a misconception that underwire bras could be dangerous. In reality, underwires don’t kill the casualty—they simply interfere with the shock, reducing the effectiveness of the defibrillation. This is why it’s critical to remove any bra when defibrillating a woman.
Our Partnership with Bra Off, Defib On: Raising Awareness, Breaking Barriers
At Defib Supplies, we knew we needed a strong partner to tackle this issue, which is why we’ve joined forces with Bra Off, Defib On. This charity is leading the charge in normalising the removal of bras in cardiac emergencies, and their mission aligns perfectly with ours. Together, we aim to break down societal and psychological barriers that prevent bystanders from acting when defibrillating women.
By working together, we’re not only raising awareness about the necessity of removing bras, especially sports and larger bras, but also correcting the myth about underwire bras. Our combined efforts focus on educating the public so bystanders can act swiftly and confidently in emergencies, ensuring that women get the same life-saving treatment as men.
The Bra Off, Defib On Pledge: Gathering Support, Making Impact
A key aspect of our partnership with Bra Off, Defib On is promoting their pledge. This pledge allows women to give pre-consent for having their bra removed during a cardiac emergency. It’s crucial to understand that in the chaos of an emergency, bystanders won’t have time to confirm permission. The assumption is that women have given their consent, and time is of the essence.
The more women who take this pledge, the more impact we can make in raising awareness and normalising this life-saving action. Each pledge contributes to the growing understanding that removing a bra, particularly sports or larger bras, is necessary for defibrillation to be effective. The number of pledges also helps us demonstrate the reach of our campaign. The more people pledge to help, the more lives we can save together.
Ready to join the movement? Click here or scan the QR code to take the pledge and help us make a lifesaving difference.
How to Save a Life: Act Quickly and Defibrillate Smartly
In a cardiac emergency, immediate action is crucial. Here’s what you need to remember when defibrillating women:
Act Fast
When someone collapses and is unresponsive, begin CPR immediately and have someone fetch the nearest AED. Regardless of gender, time is critical. Your quick actions can make all the difference.
Remove the Bra When Defibrillating Women
AED pads must be applied directly to the skin, and bras, especially sports and larger bras, can obstruct the process. Don’t hesitate to remove the bra. It’s a necessary step to ensure the defibrillator can work properly, potentially saving a life. Remember, the underwire isn’t the danger—it’s the interference with the shock that matters.
Follow the AED’s Instructions
AEDs are simple to use and provide step-by-step voice instructions. You don’t need medical experience. Just follow the device’s guidance, and it will tell you when to deliver a shock and when to step back.
Together, We Can Make a Difference: Join the Movement
Our collaboration with Bra Off, Defib On is about more than just raising awareness. It’s about changing how women are treated during cardiac emergencies. By removing the barriers and hesitation around defibrillating women, particularly when it comes to bra removal, we can empower bystanders to act confidently and quickly in emergencies.
Help us spread the word by sharing this message and taking the pledge. With your support, we can ensure women receive the same life-saving care as men during cardiac emergencies. Every pledge counts. Every action saves lives.
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For the best AEDs and emergency products, visit our Defibrillator Range. Let’s work together to ensure defibrillating women becomes a standard, lifesaving practice.
