prone pressure method

[prohn presh-er meth-uhd]

noun

1. a method of artificial respiration in which the patient is placed face downward, pressure then being rhythmically applied with the hands to the lower part of the thorax.

Word History and Origins

Origin of prone pressure method¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

In a precursor to modern CPR, in 1903 physician Edward Schafer described the clearly less invasive and more easily taught “prone pressure method” of resuscitation which was ultimately used worldwide for almost 50 years—basically kneeling on someone’s back and rocking back and forth.

Read more on Scientific American

Only in the 1950s was the prone pressure method replaced by rescue breathing, better known as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Read more on Scientific American

As part of her lifesaving training, one candidate serves as a demonstration model as a succession of male lifeguards perform an artificial respiration technique on her known as the "prone pressure method" that may be unfamiliar to modern eyes.

Read more on New York Times

From England last week came word that British naval surgeons think they have a better method of artificial respiration than the familiar Schafer prone pressure method.

Read more on Time Magazine Archive

The Schaefer prone pressure method, which first-aiders know best, does the trick by forcing the air out of the lungs in rhythmic thrusts and relying on the body's elasticity to suck it back in again.

Read more on Time Magazine Archive