Abstract Sat806: Racial Disparities in Bystander CPR: Is Training the Missing Link?

Background: In emergencies, every second counts. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can make the difference between life and death. However, recent data highlights a troubling trend: Black individuals are significantly less likely to receive CPR in public settings. This disparity raises critical questions about the intersection of race and emergency response and underscores the urgent need for societal and systemic change. Methods/Approach: According to the American Heart Association, 9 out of 10 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals and often result in death. While CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival, only 46% receive it from a bystander—and that likelihood drops by 41% if the individual is Black. In an open-access poll, participants shared their gender, race/ethnicity, CPR training status, confidence in performing CPR, willingness to receive CPR, and beliefs about whether race influences who receives help. Participants were also offered opportunities for CPR training. Results/Data: Using Facebook and group messaging forums, an open-access poll on bystander CPR and underrepresented populations reached 100 participants. Of those, 45 individuals completed the poll. Baseline demographics showed that forty-two (42) participants (93.3%) identified as Black, two (2) respondents (4.4%) identified as white and one (1) or 2.2% identified as multiracial. Thirty-eight (38) participants 84.4% identified as women, while seven (7) participants (15.6%) identified as men. Only twenty-eight (28) respondents (62.2%) had received formal CPR training. Twenty-two (22) or 48.9% felt confident performing CPR in an emergency. Nineteen (19) participants (42.2%) believed race could hinder someone from administering CPR in an emergency. Thirty-six (36) respondents (80%) said they would not object to receiving CPR from anyone. When asked about the disparity in CPR administration for Black individuals (CPR is 41% less likely), participants cited mostly: lack of access to CPR training, insufficient cultural sensitivity education, and implicit racial bias. Conclusion(s): In conclusion, the data reveals a critical gap in CPR training, confidence, and perceived equity in emergency response—particularly for Black individuals. Additionally, it addresses the essential need for culturally responsive CPR education, expanded training access, and public health initiatives that address both skill-building and systemic bias.