3-13. ADMINISTER CHEST THRUSTS TO A CONSCIOUS PERSON
a. Stand behind the person, place your arms under his armpits, and encircle his
chest.
b. Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side of the fist on the middle
of the person's breastbone (sternum).
WARNING
A thrust delivered directly to the ribs or to the bottom of the
sternum can fracture the ribs or the xiphoid process (a
small bone at the bottom of the sternum) which could
puncture internal organs such as the lungs and heart.
c. Cover your fist with your other hand.
d. Thrust inward (figure 3-14) so the sternum is depressed about 1 1/2 to 2
inches, then relax the hold.
Figure 3-14. Administering a chest thrust to a standing person.
MD0877
3-16
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