Welcome to the eleventh edition of The Evidence, where we bring you the latest research and insights from the field of social science. In this month’s issue, we take a closer look at a topic that has largely been overlooked in the realm of CPR training equipment – gender bias.
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving technique that is taught to millions of people worldwide every year. It involves pressing on a person’s chest to manually pump blood to the heart and brain in case of a cardiac emergency. However, what many people may not realize is that the CPR training equipment used in these courses may perpetuate a biased and inaccurate representation of the human body.
Josephine Lethbridge, a social scientist and researcher, brings this issue to light in her new study. While attending mandatory CPR training, Lethbridge noticed that the manikins or CPR dummies used in the training did not have breasts. This raised a question in her mind – why are females not represented in CPR training equipment?
Lethbridge’s study revealed that most CPR dummies were molded from the body of a male model, with little to no consideration for the female body. This is concerning as, in reality, women have a very different anatomy from men, particularly in the chest area. Their breasts and rib cages are usually larger and more prominent, making it difficult to perform chest compressions accurately on a male-molded dummy.
This is not just a cosmetic issue. Proper chest compressions are crucial in CPR, and if not done correctly, they can be ineffective or even harmful to the person in need. Lethbridge’s study found that CPR performed on a female-molded dummy resulted in higher success rates than on a male-molded dummy.
The lack of female representation in CPR training equipment can have serious consequences in real-life emergencies. In a cardiac emergency, every second counts, and a delay in proper CPR due to an inaccurate representation of the human body could mean the difference between life and death.
Furthermore, this issue also raises questions about inclusivity and representation. By excluding the female body from CPR training equipment, we are sending a message that women do not belong in the field of emergency response. This is not only untrue but also damaging to the progress of gender equality in the healthcare industry.
But there is a glimmer of hope. Lethbridge’s study has caught the attention of CPR training organizations, and some are taking steps to address this issue. For instance, the American Heart Association now offers a female-shaped manikin for CPR training, and the European Resuscitation Council has proposed changes to their guidelines to include a female-molded dummy.
However, there is still a long way to go. Many CPR training facilities continue to use male-molded dummies, and there is a lack of diversity in the representation of different body types and races. This is not just a problem in the field of CPR training; it reflects a larger issue of gender bias and lack of inclusivity in the healthcare industry.
It is high time we acknowledge and address this issue. By using inaccurate and biased CPR training equipment, we are not only compromising the effectiveness of CPR but also perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes. It is crucial for training organizations and healthcare professionals to recognize the importance of accurate and diverse representations of the human body in emergency response training.
So, what can we do to bring about change? As individuals, we can start by educating ourselves and raising awareness about this issue. We can also demand that our CPR training facilities use female-molded dummies or switch to a more diverse representation of the human body.
As a society, we must hold training organizations and healthcare professionals accountable for promoting inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of emergency response training. This includes not only CPR but also first aid and other emergency procedures.
In conclusion, the issue of gender bias in CPR training equipment may seem inconsequential, but it has far-reaching implications. By ignoring the female body in the design of these essential tools, we are putting lives at risk and perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes. It is time for the healthcare industry to take a step towards progress and inclusivity, starting with accurate and diverse representations in CPR training equipment. Let’s work together to ensure that every individual, regardless of their gender, receives the best possible care in times of emergency.
