Losing the bra in CPR? The Facts

By Karen Fantarrow

Posted on: 30th April 2026

Reasearch shows that bystanders are less likely to perform CPR on a woman

At home, at work, on holiday, out in the community – a cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time. It’s sudden, unexpected, and without immediate action, it can be fatal.

Research shows that survival rates can increase by 40–70% when a defibrillator is used within the first three minutes of a cardiac arrest. That’s a powerful reminder of just how important it is for people to feel confident enough to respond quickly during an emergency situation.

Alarmingly, research also suggests that a woman is 27% less likely to receive CPR or defibrillation from a bystander than a man.

One of the key reasons for this hesitation is uncertainty and discomfort around exposing the chest, particularly when a bra is involved.

Let's address that.

What is a cardiac arrest?

A cardiac arrest occurs when the electrical system in the heart malfunctions.

This causes an abnormal heart rhythm and, whilst not all abnormal heart rhythms are life-threatening, some mean that the heart can no longer pump blood around the body.

When this occurs, the person will;

collapse
become unconscious and unresponsive
stop breathing

If you suspect a cardiac arrest, what should you do?

In a cardiac arrest, every second counts. This is a life-or-death scenario, and your priority is clear: restart the heart and maintain circulation.

But what about the bra?

Correct pad placement onto bare skin takes precedent over anything else - including the bra.

According to the Resuscitation Council, it is “safe to use a defibrillator on someone wearing a bra, including those with underwires or metal clasps. These do not interfere with the shock or cause burns.”

However, the key priority remains: Ensure correct pad placement on bare skin.

If the bra prevents rapid and correct positioning of the pads, the bra should be removed, without hesitation.

Resus Council UK also tell us that those giving first aid “should not be concerned with exposing the bare chest and focus on lifesaving interventions.”

How to remove a bra quickly

Unless the bra has obvious front fastenings, the fastest way to remove it is to cut it through the centre with scissors.

Pad Placement

Defibrillator pad placement has been updated in the Health and Safety Executive 2026 First Aid guidelines.

· Place one pad on the upper right side of the chest, just below the collarbone.

· Place the second pad on the left hand side of the ribs under the armpit.

Correct placement ensures the defibrillator can deliver the shock effectively.

How do I use a Defibrillator?

By far the best way to learn how to use a defibrillator and to gain confidence is to have practical, hands-on training but they are designed to guide anyone in an emergency situation.

· Switch the machine on and follow the automated instructions

· Remove clothing,and expose the chest.

· Move any necklaces out of the way

· Peel off the sticky pads and apply either side of the chest as described above.

· Continue to follow the device’s instructions

How Help First Aid Training Can Support You

Learn how to use a Defibrillator and other first aid skills in County Durham

Get in touch to discuss your first aid training requirements, we’ll be happy to help!

We provide Defibrillator Competent User Training and practical use of a Defibrillator is an important part of the following courses;

· First Aid at Work

· Re-qualification First Aid at Work

· Emergency First Aid at Work

· Paediatric First Aid

· Basic Life Support

· Basic Life Support + AED & Emergency Meds

We provide;

Open courses at our training facility in Shildon, County Durham
On-site training for businesses, schools, nurseries, and organisations across the North-East – please contact us for a quote
Our experienced trainers make sessions engaging, informative and enjoyable.

We cover the whole of the North-East; Bishop Auckland to Barnard Castle, Crook to Catterick, Peterlee to Pelton, Stanley to Spennymoor and everywhere in between.

Get in touch