Suctioning a trach tube can help keep tracheostomy patients healthy, clear the airway, and reduce the risk of serious infections. Many trach patients are able to suction their own tubes at home. Some need the assistance of medical providers, especially when they are hospitalized, suffering respiratory distress, or have other comorbidities. Here’s what you need to know about trach tube suction.
At a minimum, suction a trach tube when the patient awakes in the morning and before they retire for the evening. It is also important to suction the tube when the patient displays the following suction indications:
The suctioning procedure is essentially the same regardless of the reason you are suctioning and the type of equipment you are using.
Follow these steps:
Suctioning can be scary, especially to new trach tube patients. Always tell the patient what you are doing and maintain a calm demeanor, particularly if the patient is combative or afraid. Most patients can learn to suction their own tube, so offer to walk them through the process.
The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated the critical role infection prevention plays in all aspects of medical care. Trach patients are highly vulnerable to communicable diseases. Even minor infections can become life-threatening. Moreover, they can transmit infections to their care provider, so the value of thoughtful infection prevention runs in both directions.
To reduce risk to both patients and providers:
A portable emergency suction device enables you to suction patients wherever they are, without the stress and trauma of transporting them. The right machine offers reliable and consistent suction so you can keep patients safe. It should also retain a lasting charge so that dead batteries don’t endanger the communities you serve.
We recommend storing your machine with a variety of catheters so you can act quickly when patients need help. For assistance choosing a portable suction machine that is compatible with the equipment you already have, download our free e-book, The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing a Portable Emergency Suction Device.
Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in August 2020. It has been re-published with additional up-to-date content.