The Data
The recent landmark report by the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK), Every Second Counts: Tackling Inequalities in Resuscitation, highlights a critical issue: inequalities in access to resuscitation training and survival rates for cardiac arrests. It sheds light on how factors like socio-economic deprivation, ethnicity, and cultural background continue to determine whether a person is more or less likely to survive such a medical emergency.
One key recommendation from the report is to follow the example of nearly half the countries in Europe, who have integrated CPR training into the driving licence test. This approach could ensure that those less likely to receive training at work, particularly those in manual or ‘unskilled’ jobs, are guaranteed lifesaving skills through an alternative route. Considering that over two-thirds (67%) of drivers in these occupations depend on private vehicles for work, the driving test offers an accessible and practical opportunity for widespread CPR training.
The report also presents alarming disparities in resuscitation outcomes based on ethnicity and deprivation. RCUK commissioned research showing that while six in ten people in the wider UK population knew where their nearest defibrillator (defib) was located, this figure dropped to just three in ten for people from ethnic minority backgrounds. Early defibrillation more than doubles the chances of survival following a cardiac arrest, yet defibrillators are scarce in areas with a high concentration of ethnic minorities. More than half (56%) of these areas lack defibrillators, comparedto just 31% of predominantly white British areas. In deprived regions, the situation is similarly dire, with 44% of areas lacking a registered defib.
Filling the Gap
Addressing this gap is crucial. James Cant, CEO of RCUK, noted, “A lack of public awareness that anyone can use a defib, as well as not knowing where these devices can be located, is a major obstacle to increasing the chances of surviving a cardiac arrest. Our research suggests this is a particular issue among many minority ethnic groups. This is unfair as it further widens existing health inequalities.” To address this, Cant emphasised the importance of ensuring that bystander CPR training is accessible to everyone, tailored to the needs of different communities, and that people understand they can and should use defibrillators.
The RCUK report reveals that CPR training rates are much lower among ethnic minorities compared to the wider UK population. Only 22% of people from ethnic minority backgrounds had received training in the last decade, comparedto 41% of the broader population. Yet, nearly a third (32%) of respondents from ethnic minority backgrounds hadwitnessed or experienced a cardiac arrest, with six in ten (59%) admitting they lacked the knowledge to perform CPR. The report calls for tailored CPR strategies to increase bystander CPR rates, particularly in communities where English is not the primary language and where access to digital technology may be limited.
To close these disparities, RCUK recommends several key initiatives:
- Data Collection: Collecting comprehensive ‘out-of-hospital cardiac arrest’ data will help identify and target areas where inequalities exist.
- CPR in Driving Licence Tests: Legislation requiring CPR training as part of the driving test could reduce disparities across different occupational and ethnic groups. This would be a low-cost public health initiative, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their workplace or social background, has the opportunity to learn these lifesaving skills.
- CPR Training in Schools: Governments should monitor CPR training in schools to ensure equitable delivery. Special attention should be given to tailoring lessons to the language, cultural, and educational needs of all students.
- RCUK’s report stresses that tackling inequalities in resuscitation will require strategic leadership from both central anddevolved governments, alongside the cooperation of healthcare professionals and policymakers at regional and local levels. This leadership is essential for implementing the report’s recommendations and ensuring that no community is left behind when it comes to life-saving CPR training.
Dr Mohammed Khanji from the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) further supports these efforts, noting that CPR knowledge is particularly low among ethnic minorities. He highlights the importance of engaging community leaders to promote CPR education, particularly through trusted institutions like mosques. The BIMA Lifesavers programme has been a positive step in the right direction, offering CPR training to the general public and fostering community engagement.
Conclusion
Ultimately, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to CPR training will not only save lives but will also help bridge the gap in health inequalities. By providing CPR education through accessible and culturally tailored routes, we can empower people everywhere to take action when it matters most.
If you’re interested in gaining these vital skills, consider enrolling in one of Gordon & Franklin’s RCUK-accredited courses. You can explore our upcoming courses and find a date that fits your schedule HERE.