Take a deep breath. Now let it out slowly. Do you ever stop to think about the amazing physiological processes that take place within our bodies, each time we take a breath? Breathing is one of many bodily functions we take for granted—that is, until we are unable to breath. Something to think about the next time you treat an asthmatic or choking victim.

The scene is chaotic. You’ve responded to the community pool for a “patient not breathing” and find a young boy, no older than 10, in full cardiac arrest after being pulled from the bottom by bystanders. Good CPR is being delivered, but all eyes are on you as you quickly set up your equipment. As your partner hooks up the monitor, you whip open the portable suction unit to clear the copious amount of water erupting from the patient’s mouth. You flip on the switch and…nothing. You fiddle with the knob, but your suction unit is dead. The crowd stares in horror as you struggle to come up with Plan B.

No matter how long you’ve worked in healthcare, you know there is always room for improvement when it comes to skills. We practice intubation procedures, review drug protocols, and simulate mega-codes, all for the sake of sharpening our techniques and refreshing our knowledge base. In the ever-changing world of medicine, you can never stop learning.

Effective oral and nasal suctioning is a proven lifesaving treatment. When faced with an obstructed airway, due to blood, vomit, or secretions, there is no substitute for suctioning.

We’re all familiar with the proper steps in suctioning, but perhaps it’s been awhile since you’ve performed this vital skill. So, in an effort to enhance patient safety, let’s review some medical suction requirements so that we reduce some of its potential complications.

The start of the new year provides a great opportunity for reassessing your field procedures. Perhaps you are working with new personnel. Or you’ve been promoted to a new position, where you will oversee fellow employees. No matter the degree of change the new year ushers in, it is always a good idea to reflect on your daily treatment regimes. Are they working? Are they efficient? Perhaps some continuing education is in order, or maybe new equipment should be added to your assemblage.

As a healthcare provider, you know the critical role your portable suction unit plays in treating tenuous airways. Whether you’re a flight paramedic, an EMT on an ambulance, or a nurse on a floor, nothing can take the place of an effective suction unit.

So, if you find yourself in need of choosing a new unit for your department or replacing old equipment, here are a few key components you should look for when choosing a quality suction machine.

As a paramedic, you know how important a well-provisioned trauma bag can be. A fully stocked trauma bag enables you to begin treatment immediately, no matter the illness or injury. Bleeding can be controlled with trauma dressings and tourniquets, CPR can be initiated with a bag-valve device, and pneumothoraces can be decompressed with a kit or a well-placed catheter. A good trauma bag is essential.

Today’s mobile medicine comes in many forms. Traditional EMS units make up the bulk of this realm, but now there are numerous specialized transport services that add to the number of patients being treated out of hospital.

As a medical professional, you know the critical role suctioning plays in airway management. Whether you are a medic on a rescue, a flight nurse on a helicopter, or part of an emergency room staff, you’ve seen how effective suctioning can be for a patient in respiratory distress.

The start of the new year provides a perfect opportunity for reflection. What are your goals for the coming months? Is there a professional milestone you hope to achieve? A degree you plan to complete? Whether you are an EMS responder, a flight medic or nurse, or a hospital-based caregiver, you work in an environment that is ever-changing. And you must be willing to stay up to date: through continuing education, learning new skills, and keeping up on the latest technical breakthroughs in the dynamic field of medicine.