Throughout history, women in CPR have pioneered life-saving techniques and reshaped emergency care in the United States. The percentage of women in the U.S. emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic workforce has steadily grown, rising from 31% to 35% marking a positive shift toward greater gender diversity in the field. They have developed innovative training protocols and advocated for widespread public access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
The contributions of women in CPR extend beyond medical breakthroughs. They have also led community-centric programs to ensure CPR education reaches underserved populations. As we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, we honor the women in healthcare who turned compassion into action. Keep reading.
Top 5 Women In CPR and Emergency Care Innovation
Research shows that women are 27% less likely to receive bystander CPR in public emergencies. To bridge this gap, innovators created the Womanikin, a universal attachment for CPR dummies that replicates a female torso. This innovation enhances CPR training, preparedness, and confidence in providing life-saving aid to women.
Now, meet five trailblazing female leaders in healthcare whose groundbreaking work is transforming CPR training, emergency response, and medical technology, making life-saving techniques more accessible, effective, and inclusive.
1. Dr. Jane Brice – Known For Improving Out-Of-Hospital Emergency Care
Jane Brice, one of the foremost women in CPR is recognized for her extensive research in out-of-hospital patient care and has secured multiple federal grants. Dr. Brice’s research focuses on improving out-of-hospital care, covering trauma, pediatric care, and stroke management. As a former president of the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP), she has worked to enhance EMS protocols, ensuring that first responders deliver high-quality, evidence-based care.
2. Katie Szyman – Known For AI-driven Solutions In Emergency Care
Szyman is one of the prominent women in CPR and grew the critical care unit at Edwards Lifesciences by nearly 50% to $800 million in revenue within the first six years of her tenure. In addition, she developed an innovative “smart monitoring” system that transitions from the conventional blood pressure cuff traditionally placed on a patient’s upper arm to a sophisticated device that monitors blood pressure at the fingertips.
3. Charlene Cobb – Known For Safety-Oriented Emergency Care Training Programs
Charlene Cobb has been a pivotal figure among the top women in CPR in EMS since starting her career in 1980 as a volunteer with the Sayville Community Ambulance Squad in Sayville, New York. She has also advised on issues affecting the EMS workforce’s ability to deliver quality care as part of the Workforce Committee. Recognizing the critical importance of immediate intervention during cardiac emergencies, Dr. Cobb introduced CPR training for non-medical professionals in 1971. This program empowered ordinary citizens to act swiftly, significantly improving survival rates.
4. Dia Gainor – Known For Strategic Leadership In Emergency Care
Dia Gainor is a female healthcare leader in EMS, and was Idaho’s State EMS Director for 19 years. Grounded in 12 years of field experience as a paramedic and firefighter, she has led projects like the NHTSA-funded EMS Workforce Guidelines and the DHS-funded Model Interstate Compact for EMS Personnel Licensure. Recognizing the challenges military medics face when transitioning to civilian EMS roles, Gainor has been involved in initiatives to streamline licensing processes. Her efforts aim to leverage the skills of returning servicemen and women, facilitating their integration into civilian EMS positions.
5. Dr. Sophia Dyer- Known For Championing Gender Representation In Emergency Care
Dr. Sophia Dyer made history in 2009 as Boston EMS’s first female Medical Director oversees medical operations, leads the Research, Training, and Quality Improvement (RTQI) team, and ensures cutting-edge prehospital care for Boston’s communities. In her role as Co-Medical Director for the Boston Marathon, her expertise ensures rapid and effective emergency responses, including the provision of CPR to participants and spectators during medical emergencies.
Read more: Learning CPR: Does it Make a Difference?
Why is CPR Training for Women Necessary?
CPR training for women is vital because they are often primary caregivers in families and communities.
Research shows that women are 14% to 27% less likely to receive bystander CPR than men in public settings. Even in training environments, people are less likely to perform CPR or use AEDs on female mannequins. This arises from a fear of being accused of inappropriate touch and causing injury to women. In addition, many people believe that women are less susceptible to cardiac arrest than men.
When women have CPR skills, they can act confidently in crises and inspire others to learn. To close this gap, organizations are working to amplify this impact by offering flexible, accessible training designed to fit busy lives, such as an online healthcare CPR/AED and first aid course. These programs focus on educating both men and women about proper techniques, ensuring that life-saving skills are applied equally.
Read more: How to Choose the Right CPR Manikin or Dummy?
International Women’s Day: Pushing Boundaries In CPR Advancement
Women in CPR have redefined emergency care by merging compassion with innovation. Their contributions have ensured that CPR advancements have reached every corner of society.
Gender diversity in healthcare continues to improve patient outcomes, medical research, and CPR education. Supporting women in emergency care through mentorship, education, and leadership opportunities ensures that life-saving care becomes more effective and accessible.
This International Women’s Day, in healthcare, we celebrate the women shaping the future of CPR, and we look forward to a world where their impact continues to grow. Are you ready to make a difference? Sign up for a CPR training course and help build a future where more lives can be saved.
