How do I Ventilate a Stoma?

A tracheal stoma is a small opening in the neck that connects the trachea directly to the skin. It is commonly used in patients who have had a laryngectomy, but can be used temporarily to aid breathing in patients with other conditions. Both the head tilt-chin lift method or the jaw thrust method will be effective in ventilating a patient with a stoma.

Instructions

• 1

  Ignore any other openings in the neck apart from the mid-line stoma, which will be around the center of the neckline and is the only one which can be used to help the patient to breathe.

• 2

  Position the patient so he has a straight neck. If the patient's neck is hyper-extended, he will be much harder to ventilate. Do not move the patient's head if there is risk of a spinal injury.

• 3

  Check to see if the stoma is clean. If there is mucus, dab it away with a tissue or sterilizing hand wipes, if available.

• 4

  Place your mouth directly over the stoma and begin mouth-to-mouth. It is not necessary to seal the nose or mouth. Breathe two quick breaths.

• 5

  Watch the chest to see if it rises. It should rise as you inhale and lower as you exhale. Listen for sounds of breathing and feel to see if the patient has begun to breathe.

• 6

  Repeat the process if the patient is not breathing independently. Try three times, before sealing the patient's nose and mouth and repeating.

• 7

  Call an ambulance as soon as you are able, and inform the paramedics what has happened. It may be necessary for them to re-check the patient's breathing or to take over with a machine and stoma tube.