How to perform tip suctioning

Gather your equipment and supplies.

Make sure the oximeter is on and providing an accurate reading.

Have oxygen available.

Make sure the suction machine is at the correct setting.

Wash your hands​ well.

Fill a clean container with sterile, distilled water or saline.

Make sure your child is in a comfortable position (lying or sitting). If your child wears an HME, a tracheostomy cap, a speaking valve or a mask, remove it.

Put on clean gloves.

Attach the suction tubing to a clean tip adaptor or “little sucker”. Keep the tip adaptor in a clean casing until just before use. Do not touch the end of the connector that goes into the tracheostomy tube.

Use the tip adaptor at the front of the tracheotomy tube to remove any mucus your child has coughed up. The tip adaptor should not block the entire inner cannula. Only use it for up to 10 seconds at a time.

If there is thumb port on the tip, cover it during suctioning.

Rinse the tip adaptor and tubing by dipping the adaptor into sterile water or saline and suctioning.

If it has one, replace cover on tip adaptor.

Assess and tend to your child’s respiratory status and oxygen needs. Replace your child's HME, tracheostomy cap, speaking valve or mask​, if they use one.

Turn off the suction unit.

Empty and clean the suction drainage bottles and containers, if needed.

Wash hands well.

Prepare the suction equipment and supplies for the next use.