As an emergency medical professional, you rely on a number of sophisticated tools to treat your patients. From cardiac monitors that defibrillate and cardiovert to drugs that reverse anaphylaxis and pulmonary edema, you are responsible, not only for the benefits, but also the dangers, associated with such therapies. And even the simplest treatment can pose serious harm when not applied properly. A great example is your portable suction machine. Here, we’ll discuss three dangerous mistakes to avoid when applying portable suction in the field.
But before we discuss the dangers, let’s review some of the benefits of effective portable suction:
Nothing can take the place of a good portable suction unit. But even the best units can pose risks if not handled appropriately. Here are three dangers to avoid:
Like any piece of equipment, your portable suction unit must be maintained. One of the greatest dangers surrounding portable suction is not having it when you need it, and there’s no excuse for improper maintenance with something as important as suction. Here are a few guidelines to ensure your unit will be ready when needed:
Although nothing can take the place of effective suctioning, if applied inappropriately, it can pose a real danger to your patient. A mishandled catheter can cause trauma, bleeding, and obstruction. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when suctioning:
Portable suction machines are by their nature biohazardous. They collect bodily fluids, in the form of sputum, blood, and vomit, which are inherently pathogenic. To avoid contaminating future patients, be sure to follow these guidelines:
Your portable suction unit is one of the most fundamental tools in your lifesaving toolkit. But it can pose serious dangers to your patient, if not used appropriately. So, ensure proper maintenance, cautious technique, and a clean unit so that you and your patient may benefit from this essential treatment.