The Woman on the Ground: A Story About Hesitation

Sergiu Cristian Pop
Nov 15, 2024
2 min read

CPR performed on a women outside, when found collapsed and not breathing

You’re walking through a busy shopping centre when you see her—a woman collapsed on the floor, people gathering around, whispering, but no one acting. Her face is pale, her chest still. You freeze for a moment, your heart pounding.

You know what to do. You’ve seen CPR demonstrations before, but then the thoughts creep in:

What if I place my hands wrong?
What if someone thinks I’m being inappropriate?
What if I hurt her?

The doubts swirl in your mind, louder than the whispers around you. You glance at the others, hoping someone will take the lead. A man steps forward but stops, looking at the woman, then at the crowd. No one moves.

Meanwhile, her precious seconds are slipping away.

A Decision That Saves a Life

Finally, you push past the fear. This is about her life, not my worries. You kneel down and start compressions—just as you learned in training. Firm hands, steady rhythm.

Someone hands you a defibrillator. It’s simple to use; the machine guides you step-by-step. As you work, the fear that held you back begins to fade. You’re focused, calm, and doing what needs to be done.

After what feels like hours but is really just minutes, paramedics arrive. One of them gives you a nod as they take over. “You’ve given her a real chance,” they say.

You step back, breathless but relieved. You didn’t let hesitation win.

The Hidden Truth: Gender Disparity in CPR

That day stays with you. You replay the moment when you almost didn’t act. You wonder: How many others hesitate like I did? How many lives are lost because of fear?

Shockingly, studies show that women are less likely to receive CPR in public because of fears of touching their chest or being judged. These unfounded fears are costing lives. Cardiac arrest doesn’t wait, and neither should we.

Learn CPR: Overcome Fear and Save Lives

At MyFirstAidCourses.co.uk, we understand how hesitation can hold people back. That’s why our courses focus on giving you the confidence and skills to act without fear.

Our hands-on CPR training includes:

Practical Techniques: Learn how to perform chest compressions correctly.
AED Training: Step-by-step guidance on using a defibrillator.
Confidence Building: Overcome hesitation and fear in emergencies.
Legal Protections: Understand your rights as a good Samaritan in the UK.

Why Acting Matters

In emergencies, the difference between hesitation and action could mean the difference between life and death. Every second counts when someone’s heart stops. By learning CPR, you’re not just gaining a skill—you’re preparing to save a life.