We all know that treating pediatric patients is nothing like treating adults. For one thing, young patients tend to add even more stress to any emergency. The infrequency with which emergency personnel treat pediatrics usually equates to less assurance and more anxiety. Children also require a separate set of drug dosages, which can be difficult to memorize when used so infrequently.

When you think of in-hospital suction, you probably picture the typical wall-mounted unit that is supplied by vacuum lines piped throughout the building. What may not come readily to mind are portable suction units, but portable suction plays a vital role in the hospital setting. Let's familiarize ourselves with in-hospital suction strategies.

Whether you’re performing routine suctioning during surgical procedures, suctioning a patient on a ventilator, or performing life-saving procedures to prevent or reduce aspiration, diligent suction canister management is critical to proper patient care. Particularly in the face of bird flu and other infectious diseases, your agency must work proactively to reduce the risk of transmitting disease via equipment such as suction machines. Here are five things you need to know about suction canister management.

Invented in 1907 by Dr. Sidney Yankauer, the Yankauer suction tip has withstood the test of time. The Yankauer suction tip was originally designed to remove blood and secretions from a patient’s oral airway during tonsillectomy procedures. Many practitioners call the Yankauer a “tonsil tip” suction device for this reason.

Quickly and efficiently hooking up your portable suction machine can save precious seconds, preventing hypoxia and reducing the risk of serious respiratory complications. It should only take a few seconds, but if you’ve never done it before, the process can feel overwhelming and frustrating.

Users of battery powered portable suction devices often comment that it “sucks”. This can be interpreted two ways – either negatively or positively. When the negative sentiment applies, there’s no need to despair or throw the unit across the room

There are three ways to increase the performance of your portable suction device to turn that negative into a positive.

Airway management is a priority for both nurses and first responders. A critical component of this is effective airway clearance techniques to manage oropharyngeal secretions. Whether in the field or a hospital, the how and when of oral suctioning must be mastered to ensure the patient's patent airway.

You are called to the nursing home to treat a “patient choking.” Upon arrival, you are rushed to the room of an elderly man who has suffered three previous strokes, resulting in limited mobility and significant speech impairment. Fortunately, the patient is no longer choking. Swift action on the part of the staff prevented an airway obstruction, and the patient is now resting comfortably. But is he truly out of danger? 

Tracheostomies are increasingly common, particularly in long-term skilled nursing facilities and intensive care units, which means all medical providers must master tracheostomy secretion management. Tracheostomy reduces cough strength, lowers subglottic pressure, and weakens sensations in the pharynx and larynx.

Preplanning is part of the job as an emergency responder. Each shift, you must be prepared to answer any type of emergency that your community throws at you, so you had better plan ahead. When it comes to your equipment, especially your pharyngeal suction device, you want a unit that will fit the needs of the community in which you work. Here are a few considerations when choosing a portable suction unit.