THE DELIVERY of a closed-fisted blow to the sternum has been described for more than
100 years as a resuscitative technique. In 1920, Schott reported the use of repetitive
sternal blows (known as fist or percussion pacing) in the setting of asystole.
1
Subsequent reports emerged in which a single precordial thump (PT) delivered to the
middle or lower sternum was occasionally effective in terminating a ventricular tachyarrhythmia.
2
Current life support guidelines continue to include PT, albeit accompanied by a weak
recommendation and in the limited setting of a witnessed and monitored ventricular
tachyarrhythmia when a defibrillator is not immediately ready for use.
3
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 06, 2023
Publication stage
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