04/09/2026
🚨 BO***ES, NOT BARRIERS! 🚨
When it comes to CPR, breasts are not a reason to hesitate. ❤️
One of the barriers we still see when teaching CPR is uncertainty about performing chest compressions on a woman. Where do I put my hands? Do I need to move her breasts? What if I get it wrong?
Here’s the important bit:
👉 You don’t perform CPR differently because someone has breasts.
Your hands go on the centre of the chest, over the lower half of the breastbone (sternum) — not on the breast tissue.
If breasts are in the way, move them aside enough to expose the correct position and start compressions. You don’t need to remove clothing or worry about exposing the chest more than necessary.
💥 Push hard. Push fast. Don’t delay.
A person in cardiac arrest needs CPR now. Every second without effective chest compressions matters.
What about bras?
A bra should not delay CPR. Start compressions immediately. If the bra is thin or does not interfere with hand placement, you can begin CPR over clothing.
If the bra makes it difficult to place your hands correctly, move the breast tissue aside and, if necessary, cut or remove the bra quickly. Do not waste time trying to unfasten it. Preserve the person’s dignity where possible, but effective CPR comes first.
What about an AED?
An AED can and should be used on anyone in cardiac arrest, regardless of breast size or whether they are wearing a bra.
Expose the chest enough to place the AED pads correctly. Remove clothing from the chest, including the bra if it covers the pad placement area. Cut clothing away if needed rather than delaying treatment.
Make sure the chest is dry and place the pads as shown on the AED diagrams — usually one pad high on the right side of the chest and the other on the left side below the armpit. Do not place pads directly over breast tissue if they can be positioned correctly on the chest wall.
Follow the AED’s instructions, keep everyone clear while it analyses or delivers a shock, and resume CPR immediately when instructed.
So let’s break down the awkwardness and get comfortable talking about it:
They’re bo***es — not barriers.
Don’t let embarrassment, uncertainty or fear of touching a woman’s chest stop you from potentially saving her life.
❤️ Hands on. Pads on. CPR started.
At Horizon Training we offer training on both male and female mannikins with real life obstacles like clothing to navigate.
Book now horizontraining.com.au
All training and assessment delivered on behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909
