Figure 5-6. Administering a modified abdominal thrust to an unconscious casualty.
(e) Repeat the modified abdominal thrusts until the obstruction has
been expelled or until 5 thrusts have been administered.
(2)
Chest thrust.
(a)
Position yourself at the side of the casualty's chest.
(b) Locate the compression site by running two fingers along the lower
edge of the rib cage toward the center of his chest until you come to the notch, placing
the tip of your lower finger in the notch, placing your other hand next to and above the
first finger, and placing the heel of your other hand next to and above the upper finger.
The heel is now over the lower half of the sternum and covers the compression site.
This is the same site used in administering CPR chest compressions (see figure 4-1).
Make sure the long axis of your hand is parallel to the sternum.
(c) Place the heel of the other hand on top of the hand over the
compression site. Make sure that the heel on bottom is not resting on any ribs. The
fingers of the bottom hand should be straight. The fingers of the top hand should either
be straight or be interlaced with the fingers of the first hand. Keep your fingers and
palms off the casualty's chest.
(d) Lean forward so your shoulders are over your hands. Keep your
arms straight.
(e) Thrust straight down on the lower half of the casualty's sternum
(figure 5-7). Keep both arms straight and do not thrust to the right or left. The thrust
should compress the sternum 1 1/2 to 2 inches in an adult casualty. Release the
pressure by leaning back and away from the chest.
MD0532
5-11