Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched a new fundraising event designed to raise awareness of a little-known inequality in emergency care – the lower likelihood of women receiving bystander CPR during a cardiac arrest.
The charity has partnered with Vobster Quay near Frome to host DARE to BARE, a topless sponsored swim for women aged 18 and over, which will take place on 23rd August.
While the event will raise funds for the air ambulance service, organisers say its primary aim is to challenge the stigma around chest access during a medical emergency and encourage greater confidence in performing CPR on women.
Research has shown that women experiencing cardiac arrest outside hospital are less likely to receive CPR from bystanders and are less likely to survive than men. Concerns about exposing or touching a woman’s chest are often cited as contributing factors.
Topless Ladies at Vobster Quay
Claire Baker, a Critical Care Practitioner with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, said: ‘Attending patients in cardiac arrest is a frequent part of our clinical work. Unfortunately, I have witnessed the consequences of delayed or absent CPR, and the evidence is clear that women are disproportionately affected. Women experiencing cardiac arrest at home or in a public place, are less likely to receive bystander CPR than men.
‘In a cardiac arrest, every minute without intervention reduces survival by up to 10%, and any delay can be fatal. At DSAA we have offered CPR education to the public for many years. Our CPR awareness sessions show how CPR is a simple, life-saving intervention that should be delivered without hesitation. We want to empower our supporters to offer women the same immediate, confident life-saving treatment as men, and we are excited that DARE to BARE will raise awareness of this inequality.’
Alongside the swim, participants will be offered CPR and defibrillator awareness training using the charity’s new female CPR manikins, introduced to help build confidence in practising and delivering CPR on women.
The event will take place at Vobster Quay and will offer a choice of swim distances. Participants will pay a £30 entry fee and are asked to raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship.
Around a quarter of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s call-outs involve cardiac arrests, where early intervention by members of the public can play a crucial role in survival.
Sign up
- DARE to BARE takes place at Vobster Quay on 23 August and is open to women aged 18 and over.
- Open water swim with short, medium and longer distance options available
- CPR and Defibrillator Awareness Session
- £30 entry fee
- £50 minimum fundraising target
- Each participant will receive a Zogg’s Silicone swim cap, post-swim refreshments and a free event t-shirt for participants who raise over £50
- Terms and conditions apply
To find out more and book your place, visit: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/Event/daretobare2026
