Sternal rub is one of the primary methods used by EMS for applying a painful stimulus. This technique is performed by rubbing the knuckles of a closed fist firmly and vigorously on the patient's sternum. Because the stimulus is applied to the core of the body, it is referred to as a central painful stimulus.
When do you use sternal rub?
Learning points
- Sternal rub is a commonly used method of assessing response to painful stimuli in assessing the neurological status of an individual.
- Presternal abrasion is a preventable complication. ...
- Other methods of central stimuli should be used for neurological assessment once skin damage is imminent.
Why would you not use the sternal rub as a pain stimulus?
For instance, the sternal rub may leave bruising (especially on fair skinned patients) and for this reason is discouraged by some. It has been claimed that supraorbital pressure and trapezius squeeze are more effective than the sternal rub or peripheral stimulation, but sternal rub remains the most common.
