I’ve heard that you’re supposed to do a sternum rub to check if people are responsive, why is that not included as a step for confirming an overdose is happening?

Sternum rubs are a very invasive way to touch a complete stranger. Especially for women, femmes, and gender-nonconforming persons, being touched on the chest area by a stranger can be traumatizing, and it’s important to consider those experiences. The recommended intense stimuli (fingernail bed press, trap muscle push, and eye socket bone pressure point) are effective, but less invasive, alternatives. Additionally, during cold-weather seasons, people will likely be wearing thick clothing/layers that make it difficult to access the torso.