Study Shows Black Women Have Lower Survival Rates After CPR

A recent study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation highlights significant disparities in survival rates following bystander CPR, particularly affecting Black women compared to White men. While bystander CPR generally enhances survival rates, the study indicates that its effectiveness is markedly lower for Black individuals and women. The research aims to address whether the initiation of CPR by bystanders and the subsequent benefits vary across different demographics. The findings reveal that individuals who received bystander CPR had a 28% higher chance of survival than those who did not. However, the survival advantage for White men was notably higher at 41%, while Black women experienced only a 5% increase in survival rates. This disparity raises concerns about the quality of CPR training and resources available in Black communities, suggesting that variability in dispatcher training may contribute to lower-quality instructions for CPR. Additionally, the study points to low rates of CPR training in communities of color, which may further exacerbate these disparities. Experts note that societal perceptions also play a role, with a tendency for people to be more hesitant to perform CPR on women due to concerns about delivering effective compressions. This hesitance, combined with the racial disparities observed, underscores the need for improved training and awareness to ensure equitable access to lifesaving measures. Researchers emphasize the importance of understanding these disparities, particularly as Black individuals appear to receive no benefit from bystander CPR in certain communities. The study calls for targeted efforts to enhance CPR training and resources in underserved areas to improve survival outcomes for all individuals.