Should I remove a bra when using a defibrillator?

Should you remove a bra to use a defibrillator?

When using a defibrillator (AED or Automated External Defibrillator) on someone in sudden cardiac arrest SCA), a common question is whether a bra should be removed. The answer is YES, and here’s why.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest and AEDs

Cardiac arrest is a critical emergency where a person’s heart stops working properly due to an internal electrical issue. Immediate action like CPR and using an AED rapidly can potentially save their life as for every minute that goes by without this treatment the persons survival chances decrease by 10%.  AEDs are designed to check for irregular heartbeats and, if needed, deliver a shock to help get the heart back to a normal rhythm. To work correctly, the AED pads must stick directly to the person’s bare dry chest. On a person wearing a bra this will mean IT HAS TO COME OFF due to the required pad placement positions.

Why bra removal is important

For an AED to give a proper shock, the pads need to be placed directly on the skin, with no fabric, straps or metal (like underwires) in the way. Leaving a bra on could prevent the AED from delivering an effective shock, as metal can misdirect the shock or even cause further injury. Removing the bra ensures there’s nothing in the way, helping the AED work properly and increase survival chances. At present fewer that 1/10 women will survive SCA in the UK.

Helping women in need

Research published in the European heart journal shows women are less likely to receive CPR from bystanders than men. 68% of women compared to 73% of men. This may be due to uncertainty or embarrassment or exposing a female’s breasts in a public setting or what to do with clothing, a public lack of training or even fear of ridiculous accusations, I’m sure there are several other reasons. By talking openly on all of our practical first aid courses about AED use on women, we can encourage more people to act fast, regardless of the patient’s gender.

Handling the Situation with Dignity

If you’re helping someone in cardiac arrest, they’ll be unresponsive. The priority is to act quickly by calling for help, dialing 999, starting CPR and quick AED use. However, you can still protect the person’s dignity. For example, cutting clothing along the sides allows it to be laid back over them after placing the AED pads. You can also ask others to stand around the person to give privacy in public spaces. We strongly believe that life or death shouldn’t come down to a lack of public courage to start CPR depending on wether you have breasts or not, we strongly encourage you to go out get some real hands on training from a credible provider as experience is something you usually get after you really need it.  

In these emergencies, don’t hesitate to do what’s necessary to save a life, acting quickly and correctly makes a huge difference and could potentially offer someone a second chance.  By early recognition of a casualty in SCA, starting early CPR and administering early defibrillation (within 4 minutes ideally) could potentially increase survival chances as high as 75%.

Please visit the dedicated defibrillator page on our website for more information and access your completely free how to guide when dealing with a SCA.

For any other questions about this article or advice on purchasing an AED or arranging some no-nonsense practical training please reach out to us.

Ben Holroyd

Lead instructor

BH training solutions