Sudden out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is one of Australia’s leading causes of death, and for women, survival outcomes are not equal.

New data from Ambulance Victoria, published in the Victorian Women’s Health Atlas, shows that in 2024 paramedics attended more than 36,000 out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrests across Victoria. While overall survival remains low, the data reveals significant sex‑based differences in how cardiac arrest is recognised and responded to, differences that can cost lives.

At St John Ambulance Victoria, we believe CPR is for everyone, and that everyone deserves the same chance of survival. That belief is why we are proud to partner with Women’s Health Victoria as they embark on a set of evidence‑led initiatives focused on improving cardiac arrest outcomes for women.

“Every minute matters in a cardiac arrest,” said St John Ambulance Victoria CEO Gordon Botwright. “When the data shows that women are less likely to receive CPR or defibrillation, that’s not a women’s issue; it’s a community issue. And it’s something we can change by building confidence and normalising action.”

Making Women’s Heart Health Visible

For decades, much of what we understand about heart health has been shaped by research and clinical guidelines based primarily on male bodies. That gap has real‑world consequences, particularly in emergency situations where seconds count.

Making sex‑disaggregated OHCA data publicly available is a critical step toward addressing those gaps.

Through the Victorian Women’s Health Atlas, communities, health planners, emergency responders and decision‑makers can now see where disparities exist, including differences in bystander CPR, defibrillation and survival outcomes for women and men at a local level.

St John will be working with WHV to identify and address gaps and barriers in CPR training, and test practical interventions that influence confidence and willingness to perform CPR on women. This will ensure first aid training reflects real bodies, real homes, and real emergencies.

 “When gender gaps are visible, they become actionable. This work ensures women’s heart health is no longer overlooked, and that matters when lives are on the line.”

Improving CPR and Defibrillation for Women

Early CPR and defibrillation save lives. Yet the data shows women who experience OHCA are less likely to receive both.

In 2024:

• Women were 6% less likely than men to receive bystander CPR
• Men were around three times more likely than women to receive bystander defibrillation
• Shockable rhythms were identified almost twice as often in men than women, limiting access to this life‑saving intervention

These figures point to a concerning reality: hesitation, uncertainty, or myths about CPR on women may be preventing action.

That’s why, in partnership with Women’s Health Victoria, St John Ambulance Victoria will test practical changes to CPR training, ensuring that CPR on women and girls is normalised, visible, and confidently taught.

“CPR is a lifesaving medical intervention, not a social judgement,” said Gordon.
“People want to help. Our responsibility is to give them the skills, confidence and reassurance to act without hesitation.”

Building confidence to intervene in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive remains one of the most powerful ways the community can save lives.

Why This Matters

• Every minute without CPR or defibrillation reduces survival chances by around 10%
• When both occur within the first four minutes, survival rates can reach up to 70%
• Women are more likely than men to experience cardiac arrest at home, making bystander CPR skills critical for everyday Victorians

The data reinforces what St John has always known: empowered bystanders save lives.

Our Commitment

At St John Ambulance Victoria, we are committed to closing the survival gap for women, our mothers, sisters, daughters, colleagues and friends.

Through partnership, evidence‑led education and community confidence‑building, we are working to make sure no one misses a beat when it comes to women’s heart health.

“We are working with Women’s Health Victoria to examine and update CPR training, so it explicitly addresses sex‑based barriers, normalises appropriate CPR on women and girls, and builds skills and confidence for bystanders to act without delay, said Gordon.

“This work is about empowering people to act, not fearing getting it wrong, CPR is for everyone. And everyone deserves the same chance of survival.”