Standards Procedure (Skill)
Clinical Indications: Levels: EMT-I & EMT-P
Ø Obstruction of the airway (secondary to secretions, blood, and/or any other substance) in a patient currently being assisted by an airway adjunct such as a nasotracheal tube, endotracheal tube, Combitube, tracheostomy tube, or a cricothyrotomy tube.
Procedure:
a. Ensure the suction device is operable.
b. Preoxygenate the patient.
c. Keeping an aseptic technique, attach the suction catheter to the suction unit)
d. If applicable, remove ventilation devices from the airway.
e. Insert the sterile end of the suction catheter into the tube without suction. (Insert until resistance is met, pull back approximately 1-2 cm.)
f. Once the desired depth is met apply suction by occluding the port and slowly remove the catheter from the tube. (Do not suction >15 seconds)
g. Reattach the ventilation device and oxygenate the patient.
h. Document time, and results on the ACR.
Certification Requirements:
Successfully complete an annual skill evaluation including the indications, contraindications, technique, and possible complications of the procedure.