--- title: What to Include With Your Portable Suction Device description: There are some simple steps you can take to ensure your portable suction device remains operational, and part of the life-saving lineup you rely on. image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/Blog/treating-patient-ems.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   # [What to Include With Your Portable Suction Device](https://blog.sscor.com/what-to-include-with-your-portable-suction-device) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) Nov 28, 2017 4:30:00 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/what-to-include-with-your-portable-suction-device#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/what-to-include-with-your-portable-suction-device#) 0 ![EMT Treating Patient | What to Include With Your Portable Suction Device](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/treating-patient-ems.jpg?width=700&name=treating-patient-ems.jpg "EMT Treating Patient | What to Include With Your Portable Suction Device") Your portable suction device is a vital piece of equipment, yet you may give it little thought on a shift-by-shift basis. We take for granted the critical role it plays in airway patency, assuming there is no need for preplanning or strategizing. But there are some simple steps you can take to ensure your suction unit remains operational, and part of the life-saving lineup you rely on each shift. Let’s discuss some of the strategies employed when deciding what to include with your portable suction device.   ## Accessories and Adjuncts First is the unit itself. Your suction unit must have a full complement of [accessories](https://www.sscor.com/disposables.html) and adjuncts to ensure it can handle each critical suction scenario. This includes:   - Durable tubing that will stand up to extreme temperatures and negative pressure. You must be sure your tubing isn’t cracked or weathered, which can happen over time, especially with low-quality materials. Use high-quality, durable tubing to prevent suction failure and leaks. It also helps to have a variety of lengths: shorter, for typical scenarios, and longer for special situations, such as extrications. - A variety of catheters, critical for handling a range of bodily fluids. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to suction catheters. Here are our recommendations: - Vented [tips](https://www.sscor.com/HI-D_big_stick_suction_tip-hospital.html) – Since they are vented with a thumb port they are useful for traditional suction techniques calling for no more than 10 to 15 seconds of suctioning at a time.  Make sure they are large bore.  You are not just dealing with saliva in the field. - [Angled](https://www.sscor.com/ducanto_catheter.html) and non-vented –These are ideal for newer techniques such as the SALAD technique.  [SALAD](https://www.sscor.com/ducanto_catheter_video.html) enables the care giver to intubate even in those situations when fluids continue to flood the airway. - Flexible or Trachael Catheters – Once the patient is intubated the need for suction has not passed.  You will need flexible tracheal catheters, sometimes called French catheters to remove secretions that can gather behind the cuff or hopefully remove some material that may have been aspirated before your successful intubation.   Having the right accessories and adjuncts will enhance the effectiveness of your portable suction device.   ## Have a Plan Another critical factor to include with your portable suction unit is preplanning its inclusion on emergency scenes. The unit is of no use if it’s left behind on the truck. Be sure you have designated someone to bring along the suction unit any time you suspect a respiratory emergency. Store it next to other ALS equipment, for an easy grab on scene, and include it in training scenarios, such as mega-codes, so that its inclusion becomes second nature.   ## Maintenance is Key Devising a maintenance plan for your portable suction device is fundamental to its reliability. The unit cannot function properly if it is not properly maintained. Here are our recommendations: - Check the unit at the start of each shift, and following each use on scene. This will ensure that the batteries are fully charged and [operational](https://blog.sscor.com/it-wont-turn-on-preventing-portable-suction-unit-failure). - Have backups available—not only batteries, but backup suction units as well. If your unit becomes damaged, you’ll need a replacement, and should an MCI occur, you’ll need additional units. - Keep the unit clean at all times. Disinfect after each use, even if it appears there is nothing in the tubing or canister. Suction units are inherently[ pathogenic](https://blog.sscor.com/dangerous-pathogens-that-can-infect-your-portable-suction-unit), because they come in contact with bodily fluids. Use a bleach solution for disinfecting, and be sure to protect yourself in the process. This includes: - Always wearing personal protective equipment when handling contaminated equipment: - Gloves - Face and eye protection - Protective clothing - Disconnecting the unit from any power source prior to cleaning - Disconnecting the battery from the PC board when cleaning the interior chassis - Remembering to disinfectant all outer surfaces, such as control knobs, screens, and handles   When it comes down to it, there are numerous steps to take with your portable suction device to maximize its performance during respiratory emergencies. Proper accessories, thorough preplanning, and good maintenance practices will ensure your unit is ready for any critical suction scenario.   [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/9612b368-68bd-40fd-8df2-b49e908313ab.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/9612b368-68bd-40fd-8df2-b49e908313ab) Topics: [Handheld portable suction](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/handheld-portable-suction), [Emergency medical suction](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/emergency-medical-suction), [Emergency Preparedness](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/emergency-preparedness) ![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/what-to-include-with-your-portable-suction-device#) [![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.