Bite Release Pressure Point

Updated:   Published

What Members Are Saying (AI-Generated Summary)

Members are discussing various techniques for releasing a bite from patients in different healthcare settings, particularly in psychiatric units. Some members share personal experiences of being bitten and the effectiveness of different methods, while others caution against causing harm to patients and the potential legal consequences. The conversation also touches on the challenges of dealing with patients who may bite due to severe brain injuries and the use of mouth guards to prevent self-injury.

My friend is a nurse and she has told me that she heard about a bite release pressure point just below the septum. Has anyone heard of this and do you know if it works/is it appropriate? Why I need to know this is a long story...but I need a good bite release technique. Thanks!

Yes, it's an amusing thought, but the reality is that, in psych, at least, we are obligated to not hurt the client while attempting to protect/rescue ourselves and colleagues from clients. You can face criminal charges if you do.

Very good point. Guess I was thinking more along the lines of ER, or the occasional NON-certifiable nutjob in med-surg.

Glad I don't work in an environment where I'm likely to get bitten! However, I certainly have had young patients coming out of a Propofol sleep who wake up swinging.....that's not pretty.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

As an MP we aren't taught to rub, place your finger where the septum meets the face and shove in and up, the pain is intense and will make most people recoil away.

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatry.
Where do u guys work where patients are biting?

I work on an acute inpatient psychiatric unit for adults.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Where do u guys work where patients are biting?
THe emergency is a frequent bite place.
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Testicles are a release point, just squeeze and twist.

:wideyed:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was told once by somebody that a good thing to try would be to pop 'em over the ear with a cupped hand. Do it it to yourself - it rings your ear all right, and is a bit startling without being a slap or a punch so to speak. Anyone ever hear that one?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma-Surgical, Case Management, Clinic.

These are good ideas but I hope I never have to use them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

Wonder if any of these work for pts with some form of severe brain injury?? We have had to use mouth guards to prevent them from biting their own tongue off.

Last pt had 4 of ativan, 4 of versed and 10 of morphine and they still had a death grip on their own tongue.. Syringe full of dipravan got them to release.. The other meds did nothing. We tried several tricks and techniques but nothing helped..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg.
I work on an acute inpatient psychiatric unit for adults.

Same here. I was working inpatient psych.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma ICU, Peds ICU.

You could try punching them in the face repeatedly until they let go. It worked for me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

ED here. Still have the scar, she has conviction for 2 felony counts of battery on health care worker.

Unfortunately, when she rushed the door and tackled two of us, my other arm was underneath and had no chance to try for a "release" point. DIdn't pull away, so lots of bruising, swelling and small scar, but she was chewing and trying to remove a chunk.

If I could have, I'd have stuck my thumb in her eye.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Use the pressure point in The shoulder, you cause pain but won't cause any damage basically just squeeze the muscle with forefinger and thumb

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion