What is "chest rub"

n. (context emergency medicine English) A form of applying pain to the sternum of the patient wherein the responder applies strong pressure with his knuckles in an attempt to establish the patient's level of consciousness.

Chest rub, cold rub, or vapor/vapour rub is a mentholated topical petrolatum-based gel intended to assist with minor medical conditions that temporarily impair breathing, including the common cold. It is applied to the chest, often immediately before sleeping.

Originally formulated by Vicks as its signature product, VapoRub, cold rubs are now manufactured by other pharmaceuticals under various brand names. The word Vicks, and less commonly, VapoRub are still used as genericized references to this product regardless of manufacturer or brand.