As part of ILSW’s First Aid themed day and in support of our Community Heart Starters campaign, members of the STA team took part in vital CPR and AED training on Thursday 15th May. The training also highlighted the importance of confidence and clarity when delivering lifesaving care, regardless of body type or gender.

Helen Done STA’s Qualifications and Business Development Manager and Rich Cooper from RNC Training, demonstrated CPR using an AED on a female-simulated manikin. The training placed a strong emphasis on one key message: AED pads must always be applied to bare skin, and this applies to everyone, regardless of gender or chest anatomy.

The session aimed to break down persistent taboos around performing CPR on women, including the discomfort some may feel about removing clothing or placing hands and AED pads on breasts. Rich Cooper, passionate about improving bystander intervention rates, is keen to challenge these barriers and raise awareness:

“We want people to feel empowered to act in an emergency. The fear of doing the ‘wrong’ thing -or being judged for touching someone’s chest – should never stand in the way of saving a life. That’s why we focus on educating people to act professionally, stay within the remit of their training, and, where possible, involve witnesses. With the right knowledge and confidence, you can justify your actions and do what’s needed when every second counts.”

Research shows that women are statistically less likely to receive CPR in public. Misconceptions, hesitation, and social stigma contribute to this disparity, potentially costing lives. By tackling these myths head-on, STA hopes to inspire greater confidence among both trained professionals and the general public.

As seen here, the demonstration was supported by a video resource using a manikin wearing clothing, including a bra, to reinforce the proper technique and the importance of equality in lifesaving efforts.

This educational initiative is part of a broader drive to promote inclusive, realistic, and stigma-free first aid training, ensuring every life gets an equal chance when seconds count.