Adverse Effects
The use of the precordial thumps technique has sometimes been shown in movies and television, usually in passing without any explanation. Untrained laypersons have been known to attempt it, and sometimes cause additional injury to the patient as the blow must be carefully aimed. If applied incorrectly it may cause further injury, for instance inducing Commotio cordis (cardiac arrest caused by blunt trauma) or breaking the tip (xiphoid process) of the sternum.
At one time, the technique was also taught as part of standard CPR training with the requirement that it must be administered within 60 seconds of the onset of symptoms. That time restriction, combined with a number of injuries caused by improper technique, resulted in the procedure being removed from CPR training.
Because a precordial thump can cause an arrythmia to change into asystole or a more lethal arrythmia, the procedure is no longer taught as a standard treatment.
Read more about this topic: Precordial Thump
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