29/05/2026
Bystanders Can be Lifesavers – ‘Uncover to Recover’
Betjeman Belles WI members from Wadebridge recently gathered to promote the WI Campaign ‘Bystanders Can be Lifesavers’.
This campaign calls on WI members to work together to increase public confidence and training in the delivery of CPR and to work with local organisations to help improve access to defibrillators in their communities.
There are over 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests a year in the UK and less than one in ten people survive. Women have a lower chance of surviving than men. Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillating can more than double the chances of survival.
However, women who go into cardiac arrest in public are less likely to receive CPR from bystanders than men due to failing to diagnose the heart attack or worrying they will “inappropriately” touch a woman when giving CPR.
Using a defibrillator on a woman also means removing or cutting underwear covering the breasts such as a bra to ensure the defibrillator pads are positioned in the correct position –hence the need to ‘Uncover to Recover’.
The Bystanders can be Lifesavers Campaign was adopted by the National Federation of Women’s Institutes in June 2025.
Betjeman Belles WI members have recently been sorting through their clothing for any unneeded bras. Around 40 bras are to be donated to Mish Lingerie shop in Wadebridge for recycling via their Bra Bank.
Betjeman Belles WI meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7pm. New Venue from 24th June – Wadebridge Methodist Church.
