A sternum rub is a technique used primarily in medical and healthcare settings to assess a person’s level of consciousness or responsiveness.
This method involves applying pressure to the sternum, or breastbone, using a fist or the knuckles. The purpose is to elicit a response from the individual who may be unresponsive or difficult to awaken. If the individual reacts to the pain from the rub, it indicates some level of awareness or responsiveness.
The sternum rub can be a valuable tool for first responders or medical professionals in emergency situations. However, it is important to use this technique judiciously, as it involves applying pain to stimulate a response, and care should be taken to avoid unnecessary discomfort or injury.
Overall, while the sternum rub can provide useful information about a patient’s condition, it should always be used in conjunction with other assessment methods to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the individual’s health status.