Clinical Skill Information Sheet
Oropharynx Airway Suction
Aim
To safely and effectively clear a patient’s oropharynx using an Ambu® UniSuction Pump with a Yankauer suction tube.
Indications
To be used on unconscious patients with an airway soiled with liquid or semi-liquid
solutions. This generally takes place if posture alone is ineffective and/or
inappropriate.
Background
Airway secretions including saliva, vomitus, blood, and food and drinks can
potentially cause airway aspiration. It is vital that a patent airway is always
maintained when managing a patient. A suction unit can be used to remove material
which has the potential to interfere with the patency of the airway. Pre-hospital
clinicians must be able to identify the need for suction and possess the ability to use
it effectively.
There are many different types of suction units and catheters. Whilst some units are
motorised, this information sheet will refer to the manual Ambu® Uni-Suction
Pump (a) and the Yankauer Suction Tube (b).
(a)
(b)
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Clinical Skill Information Sheet
Objective
Manage
Safety
Assemble
suction unit
Rationale
Action
1. Use universal precautions. Always
Safety is the first
wear gloves and goggles when
priority when managing
attending to a patient.
any patient.
In order to effectively
suction a patient’s
airway you must know
what equipment is
required, how it is used
and how to fix it if it is
not in proper working
order.
It is essential that the
suction catheter is
securely attached to
the suction unit.
2. You may also want to consider
wearing a face mask and gown.
1. Understand your equipment by using
information supplied by the
manufacturer.
1. Ensure the Yankauer suction catheter
is securely attached to the suction
tubing on the suction unit by pressing
it firmly into the open tube.
Improper fitting of
components will reduce
the effectiveness of the
suction pump.
Attach
suction
catheter to
suction unit
The Ambu® UniSuction Pump requires
two operators to be
Communicate used effectively.
effectively
One person will be
with pump
operating the pump
operator
with their foot or hand
while the other is using
the suction tube.
1. The clinician in control of the airway is
responsible for clear directions to the
rest of the team.
2. Make sure you tell the person
operating the pump when to start and
when to stop pumping
3. Give them as much warning as
possible so they can quickly get into
an appropriate position.
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Clinical Skill Information Sheet
Suctioning a patient’s
1. Hold the Yankauer like you would a
airway requires control
pen. Use your fore finger to adjust the
and precision. To
suction pressure by occluding the port.
create suction pressure
you need to occlude
2. Use your other hand to steady the
the port at the top of
patient’s mouth so that you have a
the Yankauer.
clear view of what you are suctioning.
Hold the
suction
catheter in a
pen grip
If you occlude the port
with your thumb you
have less control over
the device.
The structures of the
airway are delicate and
any trauma can be
detrimental to the
patient.
Only suction
what you
can see
1. Insert the Yankauer suction catheter
into the patient’s mouth with no
suction pressure. At this point the port
at the top of the Yankauer should
remain uncovered.
The invasive nature of
suctioning means that
care must be taken
when performing this
skill. This involves
ensuring pressure is
released when entering
and exiting the mouth.
2. To create pressure, cover the port but
only when you can see what you are
By only suctioning what
suctioning.
you can see, you avoid
damaging the patient’s
oropharynx.
Additionally, stimulation
of the larynx can lead
to laryngeal spasm,
which causes a lifethreatening occlusion
of the airway.
3. Uncover the port to release pressure
when withdrawing from the mouth.
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