As a healthcare provider, you know the critical role your portable suction unit plays in treating tenuous airways. Whether you’re a flight paramedic, an EMT on an ambulance, or a nurse on a floor, nothing can take the place of an effective suction unit.

So, if you find yourself in need of choosing a new unit for your department or replacing old equipment, here are a few key components you should look for when choosing a quality suction machine.

Today’s mobile medicine comes in many forms. Traditional EMS units make up the bulk of this realm, but now there are numerous specialized transport services that add to the number of patients being treated out of hospital.

The start of the new year provides a perfect opportunity for reflection. What are your goals for the coming months? Is there a professional milestone you hope to achieve? A degree you plan to complete? Whether you are an EMS responder, a flight medic or nurse, or a hospital-based caregiver, you work in an environment that is ever-changing. And you must be willing to stay up to date: through continuing education, learning new skills, and keeping up on the latest technical breakthroughs in the dynamic field of medicine.

Every day, millions of Americans reap the benefits of our modern medical system. From advances in cancer treatment to surgical implants, we are living longer, healthier lives thanks to new technology, more effective drugs, and greater diagnostic precision.

We all know the saying “You get what you pay for.” In a world where we are bombarded by inexpensive, substandard imports, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important. But when it comes to EMS equipment, there is no substitute for effective, high-quality gear, and one of the most important tools of the trade is a well-made portable suction unit.

The rookie showed up at the station, gear in hand, to begin his first shift on the rescue. Fresh out of paramedic school, he was ready for action, his pockets stuffed with gadgets, his gear shiny and new. As a seasoned medic, what kind of advice would you give him? How about starting with teamwork?

The extrication has been ongoing for over half an hour, but the crews are still struggling to free the trapped driver. As the medic in charge, you are wedged into the passenger seat, trying to control the blood streaming from the patient’s nose and mouth. The victim is conscious, but his blood pressure is dropping, his pulse is weak and thready, and he’s fighting agonizing pain from his crushed legs. All you can do is continue suctioning his airway, when suddenly your catheter becomes clogged. What do you do?

The field of EMS is governed by procedures. Because you work in a fast-paced, high-intensity arena, you don’t have time to contemplate each step in an emergency. Much of your response must be instinctual, based on training, education, and practice. Which is why the use of your portable suction unit should be incorporated into the preparation, response, and post-response phase of respiratory distress emergencies. Here are some considerations when establishing suction procedures:

As a paramedic tasked with performing lifesaving treatments in the field, you know that every procedure you perform has potential complications. The tenuous IV you establish in the geriatric patient may blow; the tube may become dislodged during transport; or the cardiac rhythm may simply refuse to convert, no matter what medication you try. These are just a few of the hurdles you face as a paramedic administering care in emergency situations. And even the simplest of treatments can pose complications under the trying conditions in which you work.