EMS Skills - Pharyngeal Suctioning (Flexible Tip)

Summary

This script instructs EMTs on airway management for unresponsive patients with obstructions like vomit or blood. It emphasizes using a powered suction device with proper body-substance isolation. The process involves measuring the suction catheter, attaching it, testing the suction, and carefully inserting it into the oropharynx. The catheter is moved around for 15 seconds to clear the airway, then removed with suction still applied. The script also advises checking for air exchange, possibly repeating the process, and flushing the system between attempts.

Takeaways

• 🩺 Difficulty in maintaining a clear airway in unresponsive patients can be due to vomitus, blood, and secretions.
• 🔌 Powered suction devices are recommended for clearing an incapacitated patient's airway.
• 🧼 Adherence to body-substance isolation is crucial when suctioning a patient.
• 📏 Correct measurement of the suction catheter is necessary for proper insertion.
• 🔗 Attach the catheter to the suction device before measuring it for insertion.
• 👂 Measure the catheter from the earlobe to the corner of the mouth to find the correct insertion length.
• 🔑 Turn on the suction device and test it to ensure it's functioning properly.
• 👄 Use a cross-finger technique or a tongue depressor to open the patient's mouth.
• 💨 Apply suction at the catheter tip and move it around the oropharynx for up to 15 seconds.
• 🔄 It may be necessary to suction multiple times to clear the airway adequately.
• 💧 Flush the system with water between suctioning attempts to maintain effective suction.
• ⚠️ Be aware of large particles that could obstruct the suction catheter.

Q & A

Why is it challenging to maintain a clear airway for an unresponsive patient with vomitus or blood?

Vomitus, blood, and other secretions can obstruct the airway, making it difficult for an unresponsive patient to breathe, thus requiring intervention to clear the airway.

What is the recommended tool for an EMT to clear an airway in such situations?

A powered suction device is the best option for an EMT to clear an airway when a patient is unresponsive or incapacitated.

Why is it important to wear appropriate body-substance isolation when suctioning a patient?

Wearing appropriate body-substance isolation is crucial to protect both the EMT and the patient from the transmission of infections and to maintain hygiene during the suctioning process.

How should the EMT measure the flexible tip suction catheter for correct insertion depth?

The EMT should measure the catheter from the tip of the patient's earlobe to the corner of the mouth to determine the correct insertion length.

What is the purpose of attaching the catheter to the suction device before use?

Attaching the catheter to the suction device allows the EMT to control the suction and ensures that the device is functioning correctly before proceeding with the airway clearance.

How can the EMT ensure that there is no suction at the tip before inserting the catheter?

The EMT should turn the unit on and test the device to ensure suction is present but ensure that the suction is not active at the tip before insertion to prevent injury to the patient's tissues.

What technique can be used to open the patient's mouth during suctioning?

A cross-finger technique, a tongue depressor, or other similar devices can be used to open the patient's mouth for suctioning.

How long should the EMT apply suction at the tip of the catheter once it is inserted?

The EMT should apply suction at the tip of the catheter and move it around the oropharynx for a maximum of 15 seconds to clear the airway.

What should the EMT do after suctioning to ensure the patient's airway is clear?

After suctioning, the EMT should keep suction applied while removing the catheter and then check for adequate air exchange to ensure the airway is clear.

Why might it be necessary to suction multiple times during the procedure?

It may be necessary to suction multiple times if the airway is heavily obstructed or if the initial suctioning does not result in adequate air exchange.

What should the EMT do if the suction catheter becomes obstructed by large particles?

If the suction catheter becomes obstructed by large particles like food, the EMT should flush the system with water between suctioning attempts to ensure adequate suction at the tip.