South East Coast Ambulance Service’s (SECAmb’s) Rother Community First Responders (CFRs) are confronting the stigma that leaves women less likely to receive CPR with new female training mannikins to change behaviour and close the gender-gap.

Women are around 27 per cent less likely to receive CPR from a bystander than men, often due to uncertainty, fear of inappropriate contact, or lack of confidence. However, the introduction of female training mannikins is helping to break the stigma and boost confidence when treating women in cardiac arrest.

“We want people in the community to feel confident in stepping up to save a life and ensure everyone has the best chance of survival in an emergency,” said Tracy Pepler, Team Leader of the Rother Responders. “Using the female mannikin in our public engagement activities is helping build that confidence. It’s opening discussions about women’s survival rates and it’s helping remove the fear of removing someone’s bra and touching a naked chest to deliver vital defibrillation.”

During training sessions, CFRs address common concerns directly, including fears around dignity and accusations of inappropriate touching. As part of their demonstrations, the team shows participants how the back of the hand can be used to support or move a breast while placing the second defibrillator pad – a simple technique that preserves dignity while ensuring life-saving treatment is not delayed.

“People are often most nervous about being accused of assault if they touch a woman’s chest,” Tracy explained. “We’re able to show that there’s a respectful, practical way to do this properly and that reassurance makes a huge difference.”

The Rother Responders are committed to educating people across their local community in how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator. In 2025 alone, the team hosted seven public engagement events, delivering demonstrations and hands-on training to 145 adults and 286 children.

Events have taken place in schools, colleges, village halls and community centres, as well as with community and religious groups. The team also regularly attends local fetes and fairs to reach as many people as possible.

While the introduction of female CPR mannikins marks an important step forward, there is still more to be done to fully close the gap. Community First Responder, Sally Holmes, a passionate advocate for addressing gender disparities in cardiac arrest response, highlighted the need for even more realistic female mannikins.

She explained that accurately shaped breasts would better demonstrate the need to move breast tissue for correct defibrillator PAD placement, further improving confidence and competence in real-life emergencies.

With continued public support, this vital work can go even further. By supporting South East Coast Ambulance Charity, you can help increase the number of female training mannikins available across our communities – enhancing the life-saving education we provide and empowering more people to act quickly and confidently to save a life, regardless of gender.