--- title: Is It Time to Replace Your Suction Unit? description: When your portable suction unit fails, there are few alternatives for clearing the airway. Is it time to replace your suction unit? image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/rsz_gettyimages-509804092.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   # [Is It Time to Replace Your Suction Unit?](https://blog.sscor.com/is-it-time-to-replace-your-suction-unit) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) Mar 21, 2018 4:30:00 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/is-it-time-to-replace-your-suction-unit#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/is-it-time-to-replace-your-suction-unit#) 0 ![Is It Time to Replace Your Suction Unit?](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/rsz_gettyimages-509804092.jpg?width=700&name=rsz_gettyimages-509804092.jpg "Is It Time to Replace Your Suction Unit?") The victim was another in a long line—that same dark, narrow stretch of roadway that seems to breed head-on collisions. He was unresponsive, pinned beneath the wreckage of the steering wheel, and bleeding profusely from the mouth. As the crews wrestled the extrication tools, working to pop the door, you cranked on your portable suction unit to clear the airway.   Things went well, initially. The suction was working, keeping up with the copious blood streaming from the patient's wounds, until suddenly the unit sputtered, faltered, and died. Your patient's prognosis plummeted.   As emergency workers, we've all experienced equipment failure. Part of our job is to improvise and come up with alternative treatment plans when the ones we are employing aren’t working or hit a snag. But when your portable suction unit fails, there are few alternatives for clearing the airway. Is it time to replace your suction unit?   ---   [![Everything you need to know to help your institution make the right portable suction purchase >](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/39cebfb1-10c2-4e66-931f-59bfe9afabe9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/39cebfb1-10c2-4e66-931f-59bfe9afabe9)   ---   ## Reasons to Replace Although equipment failure is the primary reason to consider replacement, it is certainly not the only one. Let's explore some of the situations that may prompt you to replace your existing [portable suction units](https://www.sscor.com/EMS_suction_products.html), and some of the features that should be considered when choosing your new equipment.   ### Old and Outdated There is nothing worse than having a critical piece of equipment fail when you need it the most. And when it's your portable suction unit, there are no alternative treatments that enable you to clear the airway. If your suction units are old, outdated, or worn out, it is time to consider replacement. It is better to be proactive than to wait until the unit fails. Failure of the suction unit could cost the patient their life, so don't wait until the unit dies to replace it.   ### Tactical Medicine In response to the ever-increasing number of mass shootings across the country, many departments are implementing tactical medical teams to respond alongside law enforcement to violent incidents. Tactical medical supplies must be portable, lightweight, and effective—especially your portable suction unit. If you are responsible for obtaining suction units for a new team or revamping the equipment of an existing team, consider a small portable suction unit [specifically designed](https://www.sscor.com/quickdraw_od_portable_suction.html) for tactical scenarios, one that can easily fit in a trauma bag and provide effective negative pressure to treat multi-system trauma patients.   ### Mass Casualty Incidents MCI trailers must be outfitted for any scenario. Mass casualty incidents can result from natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or interstate pileups, and you must have enough equipment to treat large numbers of victims. Many MCIs result in traumatic injuries, which can lead to airway compromise due to excessive bleeding. Portable suction units are critical to MCI response, so if it's time to replace your existing units, be sure to select replacements suitable for mass casualty incidents.   During MCIs, especially those caused by natural disasters, electricity may be in short supply. It is wise to select portable suction units that can run on [alkaline batteries](https://www.sscor.com/dcell_suction_hospital_aspirator.html) that can be replaced as needed. Replacing suction units for MCIs requires planning and strategizing, so choose wisely when outfitting your trailers.   ### Hospital Considerations If you work in the [hospital setting](https://www.sscor.com/hospital_products.html), you know how important portable suction is in patient care. On [crash carts](https://www.sscor.com/duet_suction_unit_retention_bracket_portable_aspirator.html) or during transport, suction must be reliable, portable, and functional. But perhaps it's been a while since your hospital purchased new units. If your existing units are outdated or worn, or if the batteries no longer hold their charge, it is probably time to consider replacement.   You will want reliable, durable suction units that meet the specific needs of your hospital. Your area may benefit from units that provide adjustable pressure, especially for pediatric and geriatric patients. Their delicate oral and nasal tissues will benefit from reduced pressure during suctioning, so consider this when purchasing new portable units.   ## What to Look For No matter the scenario, your portable suction units should include the following features: - Durable exteriors that can withstand rough handling - Knobs and controls that are easy to read and manipulate , even in dim lighting - Powerful negative pressure for effective removal of copious fluids - Long battery life for extended transports/events - Disposable parts that are affordable and easy to replace - A variety of [catheters](https://www.sscor.com/disposables.html) for use depending on patient age and type of fluids - Product support and technical guidance - Produced by a company with an established [reputation](https://www.sscor.com/who_are_we.html) for quality products If it's time to replace your portable suction units, be sure to take a thoughtful approach and select units that are effective, functional, and designed for your needs.   [![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: [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. Search #### Most Popular Articles ### Post by Topic - [Medical Suction (103)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/medical-suction) - [Airway management (102)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/airway-management) - [Emergency Preparedness (92)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/emergency-preparedness) - [Emergency medical suction (73)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/emergency-medical-suction) - [Portable suction for hospitals (34)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/portable-suction-for-hospitals) - [EMS suction (27)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/ems-suction) - [Handheld portable suction (26)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/handheld-portable-suction) - [Suction for EMS professionals (24)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/suction-for-ems-professionals) - [Respiratory (19)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/respiratory) - [medical scenarios (17)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/medical-scenarios) - [portable suction (16)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/portable-suction) - [Battery-powered suction (15)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/battery-powered-suction) - [EMS Professionals (15)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/ems-professionals) - [airway obstruction (15)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/airway-obstruction) - [Hospital disaster preparation (14)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/hospital-disaster-preparation) - [respiratory assessment (13)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/respiratory-assessment) - [Intubation (10)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/intubation) - [Pediatric Suction (10)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/pediatric-suction) - [Medical Suction for Dental (9)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/medical-suction-for-dental) - [Tactical trauma kit (7)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/tactical-trauma-kit) - [Crash Cart Supplies (6)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/crash-cart-supplies) - [Trauma (6)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/trauma) - [emt scenarios (6)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/emt-scenarios) - [Diseases & Infections (5)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/diseases-infections) - [aspiration pneumonia (5)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/aspiration-pneumonia) - [Aspiration (4)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/aspiration) - [Patient Transport (4)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/patient-transport) - [ambulance safety (4)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/ambulance-safety) - [Anaphylaxis (3)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/anaphylaxis) - [Suction Catheter (3)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/suction-catheter) - [nasotracheal intubation (3)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/nasotracheal-intubation) - [CDC (2)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/cdc) - [Medical Suction for Drowning (2)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/medical-suction-for-drowning) - [Tactical medical bag (1)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/tactical-medical-bag) - [medical devices (1)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/medical-devices) - [rapid sequence intubation (1)](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/rapid-sequence-intubation) [see all](https://blog.sscor.com/is-it-time-to-replace-your-suction-unit#) [![subscribe_to_sscor_blog](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/1209b5e9-2bd5-461c-9673-0f13ab98cab8.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/1209b5e9-2bd5-461c-9673-0f13ab98cab8) [![Aspirator_test_kit_sscor_suction](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/09b997f8-6c33-450c-9e98-6ea0f907f383.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/09b997f8-6c33-450c-9e98-6ea0f907f383) [![determining_contents_of_first_in_bag_guide_for_paramedics](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/03d28100-2a96-4c68-93d1-3e06a3b91cad.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/03d28100-2a96-4c68-93d1-3e06a3b91cad) - [![DUET-B-Front-370px](https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/DUET-B-Front-370px.png "DUET-B-Front-370px")](https://www.sscor.com/duet_suction_unit_retention_bracket_portable_aspirator) - [![Duet Bracket Back with bracket](https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/DUETBB-back-370px.png "Duet Bracket Back with bracket")](https://www.sscor.com/duet_suction_unit_retention_bracket_portable_aspirator) - [![S-SCORT III Front](https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/S-SCORT3-front-370px.png "S-SCORT III Front")](https://www.sscor.com/s-scort_iii_suction_unit) - [![S-SCORT-III3-control-panel](https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/S-SCORT3-control-panel-370px.png "S-SCORT-III3-control-panel")](https://www.sscor.com/s-scort_iii_suction_unit) - [![VX2-B-font](https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/VX2-B-font-370px.png "VX2-B-font")](https://www.sscor.com/s-scort_vx2_option_portable_ems_suction) - [![VX-2 Bracket Back with Bracket](https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/VX2BB-Back-370px.png "VX-2 Bracket Back with Bracket")](https://www.sscor.com/s-scort_vx2_option_portable_ems_suction) - [![Quickdraw Front](https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/Quickdraw-370px.png "Quickdraw Front")](https://www.sscor.com/quickdraw_portable_suction_unit) - [![DCELL-front-angle](https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/DCELL-front-angle-370px.png "DCELL-front-angle")](https://www.sscor.com/dcell_suction_hospital_aspirator) - [![DCELL-back](https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/DCELL-back-370px.png "DCELL-back")](https://www.sscor.com/dcell_suction_hospital_aspirator) ### Follow us on social media: ## SSCOR Clearing The Airway Is Our #1 Priority **Company** [SSCOR Website](https://www.sscor.com/index.html) [About Us](https://www.sscor.com/who_are_we.html) [Contact Us](https://www.sscor.com/sales_support.html)   **Resources** [FAQ](https://www.sscor.com/Frequently-Asked-Questions.html) [Technical Support](https://www.sscor.com/technical-product-support.html) **Updates** [Upcoming Events](https://www.sscor.com/upcoming_events.html) *All data and information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. SSCOR, Inc. makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this blog and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.* Images and content of this blog are © 2023 SSCOR, Inc. All rights reserved.