Closing the Gap

Addressing Racial Bias in Bystander CPR Administration

Bibliographic Data

ID13775306
AuthorsKetan Tamirisa (0009-0000-1388-0324, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA), Ethan Lowder (Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA), Adriana Mares (0000-0003-3870-6263, Yale Medical School, New Haven, CT, USA), Jonathan Jose (Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA), Jim P Stimpson (0000-0002-1266-9436, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume62
Pages469580251347867-469580251347867
Publication date2025-06-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueINQUIRY The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0046-9580 • E-ISSN: 1945-7243
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00469580251347867
PMID40509685
OpenAlexW4411291689
LanguageEN
References cited34

Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) significantly improves survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), yet racial disparities persist. Black and Hispanic individuals are markedly less likely to receive BCPR than White individuals, contributing to preventable deaths and inequities in survival outcomes. Structural factors such as educational barriers, implicit bias, and systemic racism contribute to these disparities. This article examines key contributors to racial disparities in BCPR administration and presents targeted, evidence-based solutions. Educational barriers, including limited CPR training access in historically marginalized communities, low health literacy, and language differences, impede knowledge acquisition and response readiness. Implicit bias among bystanders and first responders influences CPR administration, reinforcing disparities. To address these issues, a multifaceted approach is needed, emphasizing community engagement, culturally responsive training, bias awareness for emergency responders, and policy reforms. Strategies include subsidizing CPR training in underserved communities, developing multilingual and culturally tailored educational materials, integrating CPR instruction into school curricula, and incorporating bias awareness training into first responder certification programs. Additionally, policy interventions should ensure equitable resource allocation to support CPR training and emergency response infrastructure in high-risk communities. Reducing racial disparities in BCPR requires coordinated efforts from policymakers, public health officials, and community stakeholders. Implementing targeted interventions can improve CPR accessibility, enhance response equity, and ultimately reduce preventable mortality among historically disadvantaged populations

Administration (probate law · Bystander effect · Closing (real estate · Political science · Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation · Emergency and Acute Care Studies · Law · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology · Trauma Management and Diagnosis

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access