--- title: Enhance Patient Safety with Medical Suction Requirements description: Review some medical suction requirements to reduce some of its potential complications. image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/Blog/rsz_gettyimages-134432631.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   # [Enhance Patient Safety with Medical Suction Requirements](https://blog.sscor.com/enhance-patient-safety-with-medical-suction-requirements) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) Feb 22, 2017 4:30:00 AM 2 min read - [![LinkedIn Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2628248555-png/images/icons/linkedin-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/enhance-patient-safety-with-medical-suction-requirements#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/enhance-patient-safety-with-medical-suction-requirements#) 0 ![Enhance Patient Safety with Medical Suction Requirements](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/rsz_gettyimages-134432631.jpg?width=700&name=rsz_gettyimages-134432631.jpg "Enhance Patient Safety with Medical Suction Requirements") 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](https://blog.sscor.com/avoid-these-six-common-nasotracheal-suctioning-procedure-mistakes).   ## Preparing to Suction Here are a few simple steps to take before you begin suctioning your patient’s airway:   - Check your equipment to ensure it’s in working order. - Choose the appropriate suction adjunct: [Tip size](https://www.sscor.com/disposables.html) can truly make a difference. - Prepare and assemble your equipment. - Maintain universal precautions, using eye protection when warranted. - Use sterile technique when suctioning the trachea. - Preoxygenate your patient with 100 percent oxygen.   ## Keys to Effective Suctioning Now that you’re prepared to suction, here are some critical reminders:   - Suction no longer than five to 10 seconds to prevent [hypoxia](https://blog.sscor.com/respiratory-emergencies-the-importance-of-suctioning-tenuous-airways). - Ventilate in between suctioning events. - Be aware of dental hardware that may be dislodged during suctioning. - Use care when suctioning geriatric and [pediatric](https://blog.sscor.com/respiratory-emergencies-know-your-pediatric-airway) - Use proper pressure to avoid injuring delicate oral/nasal tissues (especially in peds).   ## After Suctioning… Now that you’ve effectively suctioned your patient, clearing his or her airway of all debris, there are a few steps you can take to maintain his or her positive outcome:   - Continuously observe your patient’s response to suctioning. - Monitor vital signs. - Assess the airway and lungs for effective air exchange. - [Clean](https://blog.sscor.com/three-best-practices-for-portable-suction-machine-maintenance) your portable suction unit thoroughly and replace ALL disposable parts. - Recharge/replace used batteries.   ## Complications from Suctioning Following [proper procedures](https://blog.sscor.com/clearing-the-airway-choosing-the-right-suction-strategy-for-the-right-patient) for suctioning can certainly reduce complications, but they still may occur. Here is a list of potential complications to be aware of:   - Be sure to preoxygenate and limit suction time. - Cardiac arrhythmias. Always have the patient attached to the monitor when suctioning. - Mechanical trauma. Suction with care and with the appropriate size catheter. - Keep your suction unit clean and disinfect after each use.   Suctioning is a critical step in maintaining your patient’s airway patency, but complications can arise. By following proper procedures and using good technique, you can minimize the complications and improve patient safety while administering this vital, lifesaving treatment.   [![ultimate_guide_to_purchasing_aspirator](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/e3e3529c-4d5a-4301-9c0f-92c47b999ccb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/e3e3529c-4d5a-4301-9c0f-92c47b999ccb)   Topics: [Medical Suction](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/medical-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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