In the United Kingdom, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) occurs in roughly 40% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) cases. Lower engagement with BCPR and public access defibrillators (PADs) has been linked to reduced socio-economic status (SES). This study set out to assess knowledge and perceptions of BCPR and PADs using a purpose-developed questionnaire, and to explore how these factors may interact with personal attributes and SES. A cross-sectional survey was administered from July to December 2021 in regions of North England representing different SES levels. A total of 601 participants completed the questionnaire (mean age = 51.9 years; 52.2% women). Older respondents showed reduced willingness to dial 999 (p < 0.001) and to comply with call handler instructions (p < 0.001). Women reported lower confidence in performing BCPR compared with men (p = 0.006). People from the least deprived communities were less likely to feel confident performing CPR (p = 0.016) and were less familiar with the purpose of PADs (p = 0.025). Higher educational attainment was associated with better recognition of OHCA (p = 0.005) and clearer understanding of PAD use (p < 0.001). Respondents with greater income indicated stronger intentions to follow BCPR guidance (p = 0.017) and greater comfort operating a PAD (p = 0.029). Personal factors—including age and ethnicity—rather than SES alone, appear to predict BCPR knowledge, willingness, and self-assessed skills. Therefore, policies should avoid relying solely on SES when designing targeted interventions. Further work is needed to investigate how cultural identity and community cohesion might influence intentions to deliver BCPR.
