Your BLS engine company is dispatched to a “difficulty breathing” call and your ALS rescue is still in the process of delivering their previous patient to the hospital. Dispatch is sending the next closest rescue, but the responding unit has just notified you that they are held up by a train.

Emergency preparedness is a critical aspect of the job for every medical professional, especially first responders. You’ll be working with people at some of the most difficult times of their lives, often in the wake of immense tragedy or a sudden disaster. Emergency preparedness should guide your work.

When your patient cannot mobilize and clear secretions independently, you may need to suction their airway. Your suctioning method will depend on whether the patient has an artificial airway and what portion of the airway needs to be cleared.

Airway management is a critical component of every first responder’s job. The right equipment is key, from clearing the airway of secretions to managing complex aspiration cases and assessing causes of respiratory distress.

Pulmonary aspiration is a common medical emergency, especially in patients with endotracheal tubes or other aspiration risk factors. In fact, one study found aspiration has been reported in about 25% of intubated patients. Aspiration is a life-threatening medical emergency. Seconds count, so proper suction in a pulmonary aspiration emergency is critical. Here’s what you need to know to save lives.

Airway obstructions are common. The prevalence and type of airway obstruction varies with age. Children younger than four are more vulnerable to choking-related upper airway obstructions, while adults commonly experience airway obstruction caused by complications from smoking. First responders will inevitably encounter a wide variety of airway obstructions and must be prepared to promptly respond to each with appropriate medical care. Here are the most common causes of upper airway obstruction.

Airway suctioning refers to the mechanical removal of secretions, blood, or foreign material from the respiratory tract to maintain airway patency. By clearing the airway, these medical devices prevent aspiration pneumonia and facilitate effective ventilation in patients ranging from drowning victims to those requiring intubation. Because the risk of iatrogenic airway injuries is high, paramedics and EMTs must understand the specific types of airway suctioning machines for EMS to ensure patient safety.

The risk of suction-related mistakes is high. Latrogenic airway injuries are common, especially when caring for pediatric patients, the elderly, and intubated patients. Your ability to save lives depends on a comprehensive awareness of each type of suctioning machine. In a mass casualty event such as a natural disaster, you might need to use another agency’s equipment. Now is the time to learn, practice, and build your skills. Here are four types of suction machines you need to know.

Key Takeaways

• Airway suctioning is essential for removing respiratory secretions and preventing life-threatening aspiration pneumonia in patients.

• Manual suction devices operate without electricity but often provide inconsistent vacuum pressure during emergency medical procedures.

• Wall-mounted suction units provide stationary, reliable vacuum power within ambulances and hospital-based patient care environments.

• Battery-operated portable suction devices offer mobile, high-performance vacuum capabilities for tactical and pre-hospital emergency settings.

• Makeshift suction devices serve as last-resort tools for airway protection when standard medical equipment remains unavailable.

Sooner or later, every nurse must suction a patient. For nurses who work in intensive care units or emergency care, or who support patients with spinal cord injuries, suctioning may be a daily part of the job. When suctioning becomes routine, it’s easy to lose sight of the risks. Some simple precautionary measures can both reduce risk and improve patient outcomes.

Suctioning can prevent a wide range of severe complications and save lives in emergencies. But like all medical procedures, it carries some risks. One analysis found a complication rate of 38.6% in routine endotracheal suctioning, though a less invasive procedure reduced complications to 28.6%. However, small changes in technique, such as appropriately pre-oxygenating patients before suctioning, can reduce the risk of complications. Most common suctioning side effects are preventable. Here are the strategies your agency can implement today to improve patient safety. 

Respiratory failure and respiratory distress are both medical emergencies that demand prompt treatment and present special dangers to vulnerable groups such as children, elders, and people with chronic illnesses. Respiratory distress, for example, affects about 1% of newborns and is the leading cause of death in neonates born prematurely.