Home Suction Therapy
Your doctor has ordered a suction machine to physically remove secretions from the mouth and throat. This will allow a person to breathe, eat and talk more comfortably.

Suction Devices:

The patient's airway must be kept clear of foreign materials,  blood,  vomitus,  and  other  secretions. Materials that remain in the airway may be forced into the  trachea  and  eventually  into  the  lungs.  This  will cause complications ranging from severe pneumonia to  a  complete  airway  obstruction.   Use  suction  to remove such materials.

In the field, a Hospital Corpsman may have access to a fixed (installed) suction unit or a portable suction device.   Both  types  of  suction  devices  are  equipped with flexible tubing, suction tips and catheters, and a non-breakable collection container.

Maintenance of suction devices consists of testing the suction pressure regularly and cleaning the device after each use.

Before  using  a  suction  device,  always  test  the apparatus.  Once the suction pressure has been tested, attach a suction catheter or tip.  Position the patient on his side, and open the patient's mouth.   This position permits  secretions  to  flow  from  the  patient's  mouth while  suction  is  being  delivered.     Use  caution  in patients with suspected neck or spinal injuries.  If the patient   is   fully   and   securely   immobilized   on   a backboard,  the  backboard  may  be  tilted  to  place  the patient on his side.  If you suspect such injuries but the patient  is  not  immobilized,  suction  as  best  you  can without turning the patient. Carefully insert the suction tip or catheter at the top of the throat.   DO NOT  push  the  tip  down  into  the  throat  or  into  the larynx.    Apply  suction,  but  for  no  more  than  a  few seconds,  since  supplemental  oxygen  or  ventilations cease  while  suctioning,  keeping  oxygen  from  the patient. Suction may be repeated after a few breaths.

You will need the following supplies to suction a patient:

• Suction machine
• Connecting tubing
• Collection bottle
• Suction catheter (Yankaur)
• Container of water

Treatment procedure:

1. Place the suction machine on a sturdy surface that will support its weight. Plug the cord from the compressor into a properly grounded (three prong) electrical outlet.
2. Before treatment, wash your hands with soap and water and dry completely.
3. Connect the tubing to the outlet port on the lid of the collection bottle.
4. Attach the suction catheter (Yankaur) to the other end of the connecting tubing.
5. Turn on the suction machine and check for negative pressure. To do this kink the connecting tubing with the machine running and note the reading on the gauge. The correct setting should be (3) for adults (2) for children and (1) for infants. Adjust the pressure by turning the adjustment knob on the suction machine.
6. Insert the suction catheter into the mouth advancing slowly to the back. If patient starts to caugh or gag wait until the patient recovers before continuing.NEVER SUCTION FOR LONGER THAN 15 SECONDS.
7. After suctioning the patient, suction water through the suction catheter until the catheter and tubing are clear. NEVER ALLOW THE SUCTION CONTAINER BOTTLE TO RISE ABOVE THE FILL LIMIT LINE.
8. Turn machine off and wash your hands.

Care of suction machine:

Cleaning and disinfecting your equipment is simple, yet very important. Proper care prevents infection. Cleaning should be done in a dust and smoke free area away from open windows.

Following are instructions for cleaning your equipment:

1. Wash your hands and put on disposable gloves
2. Remove the tubing from the port on the collection bottle.
3. Remove the collection bottle from the suction machine and remove the lid from the collection bottle.
4. Wash the collection bottle, bottle lid, connection tubing and suction catheter in a solution of liquid detergent and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and place back into suction machine letting it air dry.
5. Your equipment must be disinfected every third day using either a vinegar/water solution or a disinfectant solution that Triad Respiratory suggests.Soak for a minimum of 30 minutes then rinse and let air dry.

General care:

1. Keep suction machine clean by wiping it with a clean, damp cloth as needed.
2. Do not put the suction machine on the floor either for treatments or for storage.
3. Check the suction machine's filter as directed. Replace or clean according to the directions from Triad Respiratory.
4. Always have an extra collection bottle, connecting tubing and suction catheter in case you need it.
5. All supplies for your suction machine can be obtained through Triad Respiratory.