What is a good powered suction - Medical services.?

Question

I'm an EMT with a volunteer fire department. Our powered suction device, well, sucks. It often fails (plugs, does not suck) whatever during use. The paramedics suction also always fails. We end up using manual suction devices.

Is there a good powered option? Does everyone else carry powered? Or is manual a fine way to go?

Answer 1

Are you sucking air or fluids. The maximum air you can possibly suck is one apnosphere which is 14.7 psi. Fluids depends on type of pump. I'm a mechanical engineer e-mail me with more details if you want

Answer 2

Manual is generaly ok for most patients who have some emesis, but they won't be able to keep up with a bad airway patient. Manuals are usually considered for first responders or as back-ups. Some agencies also put them on non-front line units that may need suction, but aren't generaly running EMS calls. If you're running EMS calls then you should have a powered unit on atleast your first out EMS truck. If you have an ambulance you are generaly required to have a powered unit onboard.

When you say it clogs is it the tip, tubbing, canister port, or pump-

- If it's the tip you can remove it and use the tubbing directly.

- If it's the canister port you might want to switch to something like this-

http://www.buyemp.com/product/1011810.ht...

(You used to be able to get it without the canister, not sure about now)

- If it's the pump the unit needs to be checked by a service tech since the seals/filters may be allowing material in or be cloged (filters).

Also, how old is the unit? The pump may be going. Check the batteries & terminals for contamination.

I've used lots of Laerdal suction units in the past, as well as some S-Scorts and others. Most did just fine. There are several nice models out there-

- Laerdal Suction Unit

http://www.laerdal.com/document.asp?subn...

This unit is nice, but expensive. It does have the advantage of being able to be used as the on-board unit (in charging cradle) for an ambulance and be removed for portable operation. The large k**b on the left is a quick adjust to control the strength to allow suctioning of newborns all the way up to adults.

- Laerdal Compact Suction Units

http://www.laerdal.com/Navigation.asp?no...

They are available in 300ml, 800ml, & 1,000ml sizes.

- S-SCORT Quickdraw

http://www.sscor.com/specifications1.htm

Nice little unit that is small enough to fit in a jump bag. The only real major downsides are the canister's small size & that if the unit gets put on end with fluid inside it will seal the canister.

- S-SCORT II

http://www.sscor.com/sscort2.htm

Nice unit and it uses normal LP-10/11 batts.

A nice place to get suplies from or just price checking-

Portable: http://www.buyemp.com/category/Suction-U...

Manual: http://www.buyemp.com/category/Hand-Powe...

Even if you have a powered suction unit you should still have a manual back-up. The Laerdal V-Vac is nice, but requires strong hands. Another option is the old turkey baster from the dollar store (this is what I have in my personal kit), EMP also sells a "medical version" of the turkey baster-

http://www.buyemp.com/product/1011603.ht...

- David

Hehe, answering this question made my point count = 911 ;-)