--- title: The Importance of Suction in Pulmonary Aspiration Emergencies description: Here’s the role suction plays in pulmonary aspiration. image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/The%20Importance%20of%20Suction%20in%20Pulmonary%20Aspiration%20Emergencies.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   # [The Importance of Suction in Pulmonary Aspiration Emergencies](https://blog.sscor.com/the-importance-of-suction-in-pulmonary-aspiration-emergencies) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) May 4, 2024 8:00:00 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/the-importance-of-suction-in-pulmonary-aspiration-emergencies#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/the-importance-of-suction-in-pulmonary-aspiration-emergencies#) 0 ![The Importance of Suction in Pulmonary Aspiration Emergencies](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/The%20Importance%20of%20Suction%20in%20Pulmonary%20Aspiration%20Emergencies.jpg?width=600&name=The%20Importance%20of%20Suction%20in%20Pulmonary%20Aspiration%20Emergencies.jpg) 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](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10487459/#:~:text=Clinically%20important%20episodes%20of%20aspiration,of%20intubated%20patients%20%5B12%5D.). 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.   ### **How Aspiration Kills** Most cases of aspiration-related death are actually due to contaminants in the aspirate. Aspirated vomit, contaminated fluids, and similar aspirates present a special risk. The more contaminants a patient aspirates the greater the risk of mortality. Moreover, many patients die of aspiration in the hospital well after the initial aspiration event occurs.    Also consider what increased the risk of aspiration:    - Advanced age; almost all people who die of aspiration are elderly. - Intubation. - Cognitive or mobility impairments. - An underlying infection. - Swallowing disorder. - Gastroesophageal reflux.    It’s important to remain continually mindful of the risk of aspiration in these populations.    [![New: Ultimate Guide To Purchasing A Portable Emergency Suction Device](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/55c49bab-8acd-48d9-a274-d480a9b3e678.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/55c49bab-8acd-48d9-a274-d480a9b3e678)   ### **Suction as an Aspiration Preventative** Proper suctioning in high-risk situations can help prevent aspiration. Be prepared to begin suctioning when:   - A patient has a mobility or cognitive impairment and cannot clear the airway. - A patient is continually vomiting or bleeding from the throat. - A patient must be intubated. - A patient has a history of previous aspiration. - A patient has infectious pneumonia.   Properly suctioning the airway is equally important when other indications for suctioning are present such as low oxygen saturation. Aspiration is a preventable emergency, and having your suction unit ready in high-risk situations is the single most important thing you can do to prevent this life-threatening catastrophe.    ### **How Proper Suctioning Saves Lives** When a patient begins aspirating, you must begin suctioning the airway immediately. Mortality is closely tied to the volume of fluid a patient aspirates. By promptly suctioning the airway, you reduce exposure to contaminants and can lower the risk of hypoxia and other complications.   Be mindful of the [most common symptoms](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/aspiration-pneumonia) of aspiration, which include:   - Blood-tinged sputum. - Difficulty breathing. - Coughing or gagging. - Continuous vomiting or bleeding from the throat. - Unexplained sweating. - Difficulty swallowing.   Begin suctioning at the first sign of aspiration. If the patient is continuously vomiting or bleeding, making traditional suctioning difficult, you may need to use [suction assisted laryngoscopy and airway decontamination (SALAD)](https://www.sscor.com/suction-assisted-laryngoscopy-and-airway-decontamination-salad.html). Your agency should routinely provide training on this and other life-saving pulmonary aspiration techniques. After the patient is stabilized, immediately transport them to the hospital. They may need antibiotics if they have been exposed to aspirated contaminants. They will almost certainly need to be monitored for a few days.    [![New: Free Emergency Aspirator Purchasing Guide for Hospitals](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/8b3f08ff-a209-4f08-b702-68de84bac45b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/8b3f08ff-a209-4f08-b702-68de84bac45b)   Your portable suction unit must always [be on, charged, and ready to go](https://blog.sscor.com/_hcms/analytics/search/conversion?redirect=aHR0cHM6Ly9ibG9nLnNzY29yLmNvbS90aGUtcm91dGluZS1tYWludGVuYW5jZS15b3Utc2hvdWxkLWJlLXBlcmZvcm1pbmctb24teW91ci1zdWN0aW9uLWVxdWlwbWVudA%3D%3D&ct=SEARCH&pid=212347&cid=3674189284&t=bWFpbnRlbmFuY2U%3D&d=blog.sscor.com&c=2&c=3&c=6&rp=1&ab=false&opcid=&rs=UNKNOWN&hs-expires=1744650202&hs-version=1&hs-signature=APUk-v66gnIrwNlNpt6FDV-dqIPZq14iyQ). Don’t wait for an aspiration emergency. Assume that any emergency call can turn into an aspiration crisis. Especially when treating pediatric, elderly, and respiratorily impaired populations, your suction machine is a critical part of your first response kit.   Every agency is different. Some specialize in mass casualty events or work across agencies. Others serve small rural populations. The people you serve should be the ultimate factor that determines which equipment you use. We’d love to help you find the right portable suction machine for your agency. To learn more, download our free guide, [The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing a Portable Emergency Suction Device](https://info.sscor.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-purchasing-a-portable-emergency-suction-device).   *Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in October 2018. It has been re-published with additional up to date content.* [![SSCOR VX-2 Portable and Onboard Suction](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/df6fa532-352a-40c3-999b-2d3767bb2e14.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/df6fa532-352a-40c3-999b-2d3767bb2e14) 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/the-importance-of-suction-in-pulmonary-aspiration-emergencies#) [![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.