New manikins aim to stop stigma over female CPR

Female medical training mannequins, called manikins, are being used in Devon Air Ambulance training sessions to help combat a stigma that leaves women less likely to receive CPR.

Resuscitation charity Bra Off Defib On said women were about 27% less likely than men to receive CPR from a bystander.

By making female manikins a normal part of CPR training, Devon Air Ambulance said it hoped to tackle the fear and uncertainty around inappropriate contact that could delay lifesaving treatment.

Operations manager and clinician Rhiannon Roderick said "doing something is always better than doing nothing".

"We believe manikins with boobs will reduce stigma and help people resuscitate women," Roderick added.

Jessica Thomas-Mourne, a paramedic with Devon Air Ambulance, said: "To see a cardiac arrest in the first place when you're out and about doing your shopping in Tesco is very surprising.

"What we know is that, with women, when they have had a cardiac arrest, when they've collapsed in front of people, they're less likely to receive CPR for fear of exposing the woman in the first place, or exposing the breasts to the public."

The new manikins would be used in free teaching workshops throughout the county run by Devon Air Ambulance, staff said.

The charity has also highlighted the best way to cut a bra off - snipping down the side instead of the middle, where a wire often was.

The charity said techniques were "straightforward" in order to make sure skin was exposed for defibrillation.

"These manikins help start open, honest conversations about dignity, respect, and correct defibrillator pad placement – giving people the knowledge and reassurance they need to act without hesitation in an emergency," it added.

"Remember, in a cardiac arrest, every second counts."

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.