--- title: 6 Things to Check After Every Time You Use a Portable Suction Device description: Here are the things you must check every time you use a portable suction machine. image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/GettyImages-654617706.jpg --- [![dark-header.jpg](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hub/212347/file-1107077240.jpg?width=940&name=file-1107077240.jpg "dark-header.jpg")](https://www.sscor.com/) ## **Thank you for visiting the SSCOR Blog.** Whether you're in a Hospital or EMS setting, this is the place for you. We'll share information on current industry news, tips, as well as the latest and greatest in SSCOR products. Our hope is that this blog is not only informative but a collaborative and open forum for you to share your thoughts on developing opportunities and challenges within your profession. Subscribe. Share your thoughts. Enjoy. -SSCOR Team   # [6 Things to Check After Every Time You Use a Portable Suction Device](https://blog.sscor.com/6-things-to-check-after-every-time-you-use-a-portable-suction-device) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) Feb 1, 2025 8:00:00 AM 3 min read - [![LinkedIn Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2628248555-png/images/icons/linkedin-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/6-things-to-check-after-every-time-you-use-a-portable-suction-device#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/6-things-to-check-after-every-time-you-use-a-portable-suction-device#) 0   ![portable suction device](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GettyImages-654617706.jpg?width=7360&name=GettyImages-654617706.jpg) Portable suction can be a quick emergency intervention, a long-term treatment for patients under anesthesia, or a way to maintain safety and hygiene for people on ventilators.   No matter how and when you use suction, no matter how routine it seems, it’s important to remember that no patient is routine. Each has their own story and own unique needs. Equally important, each presents a risk of infection and contagion if you do not correctly manage waste and clean up after suctioning. Here are the things you must check every time you use a portable suction machine.    [![New: Ultimate Guide To Purchasing A Portable Emergency Suction Device](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/55c49bab-8acd-48d9-a274-d480a9b3e678.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/55c49bab-8acd-48d9-a274-d480a9b3e678)   ## **Patient Well-Being ** Immediately after suctioning, [make sure the patient is doing well](https://blog.sscor.com/6-tips-for-airway-management-improving-your-suction-technique). This requires checking vital signs and monitoring for breathing difficulties, but it also demands that you care about the patient’s emotional state.   They may have questions about why they needed suctioning, their prognosis, or whom they can expect to see next. Though you may have other patients to treat, every patient matters. Answer the questions to the best of your ability and refer the patient to additional resources. Ensure they are stable and have a support person present before you leave them.   ## **Hygiene ** Any equipment that comes into contact with a patient is a potential source of infection, as is any part of your body that has touched this equipment. As COVID has taught us all, hygiene must come first. Wash your hands before touching the equipment, sterilize any potentially contaminated materials, and wash them again. Wash your hands a third time after disposing of any biological waste or garbage.    ## **Waste Management ** All waste is potentially contagious, and all patients are potential sources of serious communicable diseases. Let this insight guide your waste disposal strategy. Dispose of any biohazards and other waste immediately, according to your agency’s [waste management guidelines](https://blog.sscor.com/fluid-waste-management-and-medical-suction-5-guidelines). High-stress hospital environments make it tempting to delay hazardous waste management, but that only creates further hazards. Get rid of the waste immediately so that it does not have the chance to spread dangerous infections.   ## **Disposable Management ** As with managing waste, it’s important to properly and promptly get rid of disposable attachments, as well as incidental supplies like gloves and masks. Don’t stash these items in a bag for later disposal. Doing so increases the risk that they’ll contaminate your equipment or even be accidentally reused. If you must delay disposing of some equipment, dedicate a sealed bag or another secure area to storing this trash so that there is no risk of contact or reuse.    ## **Storage** Where and how you [store portable suction machines](https://blog.sscor.com/why-where-you-store-portable-suction-units-matters-more-than-you-think) matters more than you might realize. If you do not store your machine in a safe and secure location, it could come into contact with patient fluids and hazardous waste, potentially spreading communicable diseases. Improper storage may also shorten the life of your machine.    For example, if you store a machine [without first cleaning it](https://blog.sscor.com/how-to-properly-clean-a-portable-suction-device) and plugging it in to charge, parts may mold or break down. If you are not diligent about how you store your equipment, you may lose vital parts or find that [your batteries](https://blog.sscor.com/why-the-batteries-in-your-portable-suction-unit-matter) are not fully charged when you next need to suction a patient. Taking a few extra moments to store all detachable parts in a convenient location, plug it in to charge, clean the machine, and seal everything up saves lives, frustration, and ultimately, time.    [![Guide: Portable Emergency Suction: A Critial Tool In Avoiding Aspiration Pneumonia](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/2f1501c2-bb40-46f8-a1de-c029ad5be75b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/2f1501c2-bb40-46f8-a1de-c029ad5be75b)   ## **Replenishment** When packing up the machine, make a note of any equipment you’re running low on, such as gloves, disposable attachments, or replacement batteries. Put an order in for these items before you run out to avoid delays and ensure you’re always prepared to offer prompt and comprehensive care.    The right portable emergency suction machine helps you better serve your patients by offering prompt treatment, reducing the need for transport, and minimizing exposure to infectious agents.    Portable equipment is easy to use and often requires less setup and breakdown, allowing you to quickly move from one patient to another. For help selecting the right one for your organization, download our free e-book, [***The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing a Portable Emergency Suction Device***](https://info.sscor.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-purchasing-a-portable-emergency-suction-device).   Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in November 2020. It has been re-published with additional up to date content. [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/9612b368-68bd-40fd-8df2-b49e908313ab.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/9612b368-68bd-40fd-8df2-b49e908313ab) Topics: [Portable suction for hospitals](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/portable-suction-for-hospitals), [Handheld portable suction](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/handheld-portable-suction) ![Author Photo](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SDS2-648378-edited.jpg?width=70&name=SDS2-648378-edited.jpg) ## AboutSam D. Say Sam D. Say is owner and CEO of SSCOR, Inc., a medical device manufacturer specializing in emergency battery operated portable suction devices for the hospital and pre-hospital settings. Mr. Say has been involved in developing product for healthcare providers for over 35 years. His passions include contributing to the management of the patient airway and providing solutions that save lives in difficult conditions. 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