What is the purpose of CPR/AED Awareness Week?

The purpose of CPR/AED Awareness Week—observed annually from June 1–7—is to raise public awareness about the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in saving lives during sudden cardiac arrest emergencies.

Key goals of the week include:

  • Educating the public on how to perform hands-only CPR.
  • Promoting AED training and accessibility in public places.
  • Encouraging more people to get certified in CPR and AED use.
  • Highlighting survivor stories to show the life-saving impact of bystander action.

Ultimately, the week aims to empower more people to act quickly and confidently in an emergency, increasing survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

 

CPR certification gaps and gender disparities in cardiac arrest survival:

CPR Certification Gaps

  • Fewer than 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. are currently CPR certified, according to American Heart Association (AHA) estimates.
  • Many bystanders lack the confidence or training to perform CPR. Surveys show:
    • About 50% of people say they would not feel confident giving CPR in an emergency.
    • Disparities exist across demographics and geography—with lower certification and training rates in low-income, rural, and minority communities.

 

Female Survival Rates in Cardiac Arrest

  • Women are less likely than men to receive bystander CPR in public.
    • A 2018 study in the journal Circulation found that only 39% of women received CPR from bystanders in public, compared to 45% of men.
  • As a result, women's survival rates are lower:
    • The same study showed women were less likely to survive a cardiac arrest that occurred in public.

Reasons for Lower CPR Rates for Women:

  1. Fear of inappropriate contact:
  • Bystanders may hesitate to touch a woman’s chest due to concerns about sexual harassment or modesty.
  • Perceived frailty or misunderstanding:
    • Some people wrongly believe women are less likely to have heart issues or may not recognize female-specific symptoms.
  • Differences in symptoms:
    • Women often present with less classic signs of cardiac arrest, leading to delays in recognition and response.
  • Manikin bias in CPR training:
    • Most CPR manikins are modeled after male body types, so trainees are less familiar with performing CPR on women.

     

     

    Insights regarding CPR certification rates:

    CPR Certification Rates in the U.S.

    • Only 18% of Americans currently hold a valid CPR certification.
    • A recent survey by the American Red Cross found that 4 out of 10 adults have either completed or are interested in taking a lifesaving course. Among those with prior training experience, 70% expressed a desire to refresh their skills.
    • Confidence in performing CPR remains a significant barrier:
      • Only 25% of surveyed participants said they would always perform CPR to aid someone.
      • 60% cited lack of training or knowledge as the primary reason for hesitation.
      • 30% expressed fear of causing harm or facing legal consequences.

     

    Visual Resources for Awareness

    To effectively spread awareness during CPR/AED Awareness Week, consider utilizing the following resources:

    • American Heart Association (AHA): Offers a range of infographics and educational materials on CPR and AED usage. Visit AHA Resources
    • American Red Cross: Provides downloadable posters, videos, and social media graphics to promote CPR training and awareness. Explore Red Cross Resources
    • Duke University Study: Highlights gender disparities in CPR administration with detailed statistics and visual data. Read the Study

     

    Pocket Nurse® provides a wide range of CPR and AED training products from trusted manufacturers, including manikins, real and simulated AED devices, accessories, and more. Explore CPR products at PocketNurse.com or call: 800-225-1600.