Bystander CPR occurrences in out of hospital cardiac arrest between sexes

Background: Bystander CPR (B-CPR) is known to be a critical action in treating out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Immediate CPR may double a patient's chance of survival. Only 40% of OHCA patients receive B-CPR (Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival1). Civilians may be more comfortable performing CPR on male than female victims based on stereotyped training and the culture of cardiac disease treatment. Objective: We hypothesize that of OHCA patients receiving B-CPR, there is a gender disparity favoring males. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) dataset. 149,734 cases were included in this analysis. Primary outcome was frequency of B-CPR between genders. Secondary analysis included gender disparity in AED pad placement, and subsets divided by type of bystander. Results: Among 149,734 OHCA, 78,738 received B-CPR. 28,485 of 55,215 females (51.59%) received B-CPR, compared to 50,253 of 94,519 males (53.17%, p < 0.001). Of OHCA with bystander AED pad placement, 22.9% of females had AED pads applied, compared to 24.6% of males (p < 0.001). In OHCA witnessed by family member, 57.80% of females versus 61.70% of males received B-CPR (p < 0.001). In OHCA witnessed by layperson, 62.50% of females versus 69.00% of males received B-CPR (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There was a significantly lower rate of B-CPR in women experiencing OCHA in the population sample analyzed. Continued education and research are needed on the topic to address gender-specific differences in OHCA.