Individuals with special needs make up an increasing proportion of outpatient populations. Better equipment, more effective medications, and the rising cost of medical facilities mean more special needs individuals are being cared for at home by family, friends, and home health personnel.
This means you, as an EMS professional, will run into such patients with greater regularity.
Treating special needs individuals requires a delicate approach. You must tailor your approach to ensure their comfort while still addressing their medical complaints. Some patients may not be able to relay information concerning their medical issues. Engaging family, friends, and caregivers will assist in your assessment, as they can provide pertinent information and a thorough medical history, which are fundamental when deciding on a treatment plan.
When it comes to using portable suction machines for special needs patients, there are a few extra steps that may be required. Below, we'll discuss various types of special needs patients and the best approach when initiating suction.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a disability as any condition of the body or mind that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities and interact with the world.
Disabilities can affect different aspects of an individual’s physical and mental abilities, including:
The World Health Organization's dimensions of disabilities list is also used by the CDC and includes:
There are a variety of reasons for suctioning a patient with special needs, but the primary reason is the same as for any patient: to avoid hypoxia by maintaining airway patency. Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate your patient requires suction:
Depending on the type of disability, you must approach each patient with careful consideration. It may help to have a family member or someone familiar with the patient assist in calming the patient.
This is especially true of autistic patients, who may become severely agitated around strangers. Family members and caregivers will know the best approach to take since they are familiar with the patient’s temperament.
If the patient is blind, deaf, or both, be sure to communicate before you initiate suction to prevent added anxiety. Also, use the appropriate-sized catheter, along with the appropriate pressure, when suctioning patients with oral or nasal malformations to prevent damaging delicate tissues.
Many special needs patients require a permanent airway adjunct, such as a stoma. The technique for suctioning a stoma is similar to that for suctioning the endotracheal tube. Here are the steps involved:
Treating patients with special needs can be challenging. And suctioning these patients may require a tailored approach. Include the caregiver in your decision-making process since he or she will have valuable information concerning the patient’s chief complaint, the patient’s history, and the best way to communicate.
Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in December 2017. It has been re-published with additional up to date content.