How to Set Up a Portable Medical Suction Machine

Portable suction machines are small, compact devices that are carried by ambulances and may be kept in medical facilities for emergency use in clearing a patient’s airway of vomit and secretions. Portable suction units consist of a suction canister, tubing and the mechanical unit, which may run from battery or on-board power inside a portable case. While there are many brands of portable suction machines, set up is essentially the same for all.

Things You'll Need

• Portable suction machine
• Suction canister
• Suction tubing
• Suction catheter
• Batteries
• Battery charger

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Instructions

• 1

  Consult the instruction manual for your portable suction machine for special instructions on setting up the equipment, and for any warnings related to the machine. Ensure you have all components to set up the machine, including a suction canister, patient suction tubing, battery, charger and any additional components needed for your specific machine, because canister and tubing size may fluctuate.

• 2

  Locate the battery compartment, which is usually on the bottom of the machine. Insert the required battery into the space if one isn’t already pre-installed. Place an extra battery in the carrying case for later use.

• 3

  Secure the suction canister cover to the canister. Place the connector tubing from the mechanical unit to the top port of the suction canister cover, or to the port indicated for connection to the machine, as noted in the instructional manual.

• 4

  Secure patient suction tubing to the patient port on the suction canister cover. Close all other ports on the cover with port covers, which are usually attached to the canister cover.

• 5

  Place a suction catheter on the free end of the suction tubing. Open the suction catheter packaging on one end to allow the catheter to be connected to the tubing. Keep the end of the suction catheter that is used on the patient covered with the packaging to keep it clean until use.

• 6

  Place the assembled suction canister and the mechanical unit inside the carrying case. Ensure the carrying handles are in place and secure for carrying the unit.