A third of men afraid to give women CPR due to 'breast fear'

The charity found that 33 per cent of men are concerned about being accused of inappropriate touching when giving chest compressions to a woman in public, compared to 13 per cent of women.

To tackle this issue, St John Ambulance has launched a campaign on October 16, Restart a Heart Day.

Millie Bright (Image: Maddie Penfold)

They introduced the world's first educational bra, the CPR Bra, with the help of Chelsea FC Women's captain Millie Bright, broadcaster and DJ Ashley James, social content creator and disability campaigner Lucy Edwards, and activist Sharon Gaffka.

The bra features the message 'It’s OK to Save My Life' and a reminder of the steps needed to respond to a cardiac arrest.

Lucy Edwards (Image: Maddie Penfold)

St John Ambulance's research also found that 38 per cent of people would feel more uncomfortable using a defibrillator knowing they would have to remove a woman's clothing, including her bra.

Ms Bright said: “I’ve had the experience of being on the pitch when someone suffered a suspected cardiac arrest, and it was terrifying.

Ashley James (Image: Maddie Penfold)

"It’s so important that we all take the time to learn how to save a life, as we never know when we might need the help of strangers.

"To learn that as a woman I am more at risk because people are uncomfortable to provide help due to my gender is shocking.”

Sharon Gaffka (Image: Maddie Penfold)

The research also suggested that 64 per cent of people would feel more comfortable if they had the proper support and training.

Jordan Davison, community experience manager at St John Ambulance, said: “Our message to people is that it is always better to do something than nothing in these circumstances.

"Let's bust this taboo together and close this unnecessary gender gap for good."