--- title: How Does a Medical Suction Machine Work? description: Today’s suction units have evolved into durable, lightweight, sophisticated machines. Take a look at the fundamentals of the modern medical suction machine. image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/Blog/rsz_gettyimages-522379173.png --- [![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   # [How Does a Medical Suction Machine Work?](https://blog.sscor.com/how-does-a-medical-suction-machine-work) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) Apr 21, 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/how-does-a-medical-suction-machine-work#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/how-does-a-medical-suction-machine-work#) 0 ![How Does a Medical Suction Machine Work?](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/rsz_gettyimages-522379173.png?width=700&name=rsz_gettyimages-522379173.png "How Does a Medical Suction Machine Work?") Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that one of your most important pieces of EMS equipment is also one of your simplest? Such is the case with medical suction machines. The ability to generate effective negative pressure that is then channeled via a portable suction unit means that even the most clogged airway can be cleared. And there’s nothing that can replace this most valuable of machines. That’s not to say that medical suction has remained unchanged over the past several decades. Today’s [suction units](https://www.sscor.com/EMS_suction_products.html) have evolved into durable, lightweight, technologically sophisticated machines. So, let’s take a quick look at the fundamentals of modern medical suction machines. ## POWER Some of the earliest suction machines relied on hand-cranking to generate a vacuum, which was then used to funnel bodily fluids into a collection receptacle. Modern portable suction machines typically rely on rechargeable batteries, although some units utilize [alkaline](https://www.sscor.com/dcell_suction_hospital_aspirator.html) and even [defibrillator](https://www.sscor.com/S-SCORT_II_suction_unit.html) batteries. Battery power enables these machines to be highly portable, while still delivering effective suction. Sophisticated units even include a battery maintenance [system](https://www.sscor.com/S-SCORT_VX2_Option_portable_ems_suction.html) that alerts the user when the batteries are running low and prevents deep discharge by disengaging the batteries from the vacuum pump, thereby lengthening the life of the batteries.   ## TECHNOLOGY Today’s technology not only provides efficient power sources, but also makes medical suction machines more lightweight and durable, as well as safer. Tough, weather-resistant [exteriors](https://www.sscor.com/duet_suction_unit) protect the high-tech electronics that produce the vacuum, while disposable, high-grade plastics guard against pathogens and make cleaning the units a snap.   ## PORTABILITY Modern construction using lightweight materials means today’s suction machines are smaller and more portable than ever. Some even fit snugly within an airway bag and are ideal for [tactical](https://www.sscor.com/quickdraw_od_portable_suction.html) medical scenarios. With portability like this, there’s no excuse not to include the suction unit on each and [every call](https://blog.sscor.com/five-reasons-paramedics-should-bring-portable-suction-on-every-call)!   ## EFFECTIVENESS High-quality suction units are not only portable and efficient, but they are also effective. Some include [adjustable](https://www.sscor.com/S-SCORT_VX2_Option_portable_ems_suction.html) vacuum pressure, which allows you to dial back the pressure when working on pediatrics and geriatrics, protecting their fragile tissues. An [array](https://www.sscor.com/disposables.html) of catheters, each designed for a specific purpose, enables rescuers to evacuate any airway, no matter the fluid. Even blood and traumatized tissue are no match for a large [evacuation tool](https://www.sscor.com/S3_oropharyngeal_evacuation_tool.html). And for those difficult airways, a [hypercurved tip](https://www.sscor.com/ducanto_catheter.html) means even the most anterior trachea can be suctioned. Today’s medical suction machines reflect improvements in technology that enhance emergency care. But remember that not all suction machines are created equal, so be sure to choose the top of the line.   [![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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