When every second counts, hesitation matters

Studies suggest that women are less likely to receive bystander CPR and early defibrillation, with uncertainty around female chest anatomy and clothing contributing to delays in care.^{1 2 3} 

The CPR Training Bralette helps instructors bring these realities into the classroom. Below are five things instructors consistently notice when they introduce a bralette into training. 

1. Learners start asking better questions

One of the first things that happens when a bralette is added to a manikin is silence—followed quickly by questions:

• Should I remove it?
• Do I cut it?
• Do I move it out of the way?
• How fast should I expose the chest? 

These questions often don't surface in traditional CPR training. Learners may not realize they are uncertain until they encounter a realistic scenario.

That moment is valuable. It gives instructors an opportunity to address real-world concerns before they become barriers to action. 

2. Learners experience an “aha” moment

Many learners leave CPR training believing they would act without hesitation. Introducing realistic clothing often reveals a gap between confidence and preparedness.

The “aha” moment happens when learners recognize:

“I didn’t realize I wasn’t sure what to do.”

That moment is valuable.

It gives instructors an opportunity to identify knowledge gaps, address misconceptions, and guide learners through real-world decisions before they encounter them in an emergency. 

3. AED pad placement becomes more realistic and guideline‑aligned

The 2025 AHA and ERC Guidelines continue to emphasize the importance of rapid AED pad placement on bare skin, with minimal interruption to CPR. Clothing that interferes with correct pad placement must be addressed quickly and appropriately. ^{4 5 6 7}

The CPR Training Bralette helps instructors demonstrate:

• When the chest needs to be exposed
• How to ensure pads are placed on bare skin
• How to avoid unnecessary delays 

Instructor discussion: 

"What's the priority right now—removing the bra or getting AED pads onto bare skin?"  

Use this opportunity to discuss the balance between correct pad placement and minimizing delays to defibrillation. 

Potential discussion points:

• When is adjusting or moving a bra sufficient, and when should it be removed? 
• How can responders avoid placing pads over breast tissue while still acting quickly?
• What techniques can be used to lift or move breast tissue to support correct pad placement?
• How do we maintain focus on high-quality CPR and rapid defibrillation while managing these real-world considerations? 

The goal is not simply bra removal, but ensuring effective pad-to-skin contact, correct pad placement, and high-quality CPR with minimal interruption. 

4. Instructors can address hesitation before it matters

Research shows that fear of doing the wrong thing, concerns about dignity, and uncertainty around touching or exposing the chest contribute to delayed or absent bystander action for women. ^{2 3 8}

Training with the CPR Training Bralette allows instructors to:

• Discuss speed versus modesty 
• Reinforce respectful actions
• Practice decision-making under pressure 

These conversations can be difficult to introduce abstractly. They become much easier—and more effective—when learners are working through a realistic scenario. 

5. Training becomes more inclusive—and more realistic

Real patients do not look like unclothed manikins. They have different bodies, clothing, ages, and circumstances.

Inclusive training means better representing the patients responders are likely to encounter.

Adding realistic clothing:

• Encourages discussion of female anatomy and dignity
• Normalizes responding confidently to women in cardiac arrest
• Helps reduce discomfort and hesitation through practice

While simple in design, the CPR Training Bralette creates meaningful learning moments that can elevate the quality of training across community, EMS, and healthcare education programs.

Frequently asked questions