Difficulties with portable suction equipment used for prehospital advanced airway procedures

Airway management is the highest priority for prehospital personnel. While different modalities for airway management are under investigation, endotracheal intubation remains the standard for definitive airway protection. Currently, airway adjuncts such as portable suction remain relatively unstudied.

To identify utilization and complications associated with portable suction equipment used by prehospital medical personnel.

Fifty-one paramedics serving a Level I urban trauma center were anonymously surveyed to determine types of equipment used, maintenance and utilization patterns, difficulties encountered, and training received with that equipment.

The paramedics reported carrying suction equipment to the scene of medical aid calls less than 25% of the time. Once on scene, suction equipment is utilized during 50% of advanced airway procedures. Half of the paramedics reported complications affecting patient care at least once during their careers due to equipment malfunction. Ninety-eight percent of the paramedics reported having some type of training with the suction equipment for prehospital advanced airway procedures.

The results of this study suggest that suction equipment is carried to the scene infrequently and, when employed, is often found to be functioning suboptimally. Suggestions for improvement and further investigation are provided.