Use and maintain your suction aspirator machine

Every paramedic knows their equipment is as good as maintenance. Medications expire, oxygen tanks die, batteries die. Unless you're vigilant, your device will let you down just when you need it most. This is especially true for one of your most basic but essential tools: your portable suction unit.

A variety of aspirators are now available, and each model has its own specific maintenance guide, which can be found in its user manual. However, there are some general procedures that should be followed regardless of the model. So, let's take a look at some of the routine maintenance you should do with the Suction Unit.

As a healthcare professional, you know the importance of preventive care. The same is true for EMS devices, so here are some important reminders to keep your portable suction unit running smoothly:
1. Always make sure your battery is charged
2. Test your equipment regularly
3. Make sure your equipment is always clean
4. Ensure that any liquid is contained in the tank and does not enter the vacuum tube

Disinfect your suction unit
Contaminated equipment has no place in EMS. By its very nature, the suction device can be used as a reservoir for biohazard material. Blood, saliva, mucus, and tissue can be a source of infectious pathogens, so disinfecting your equipment is just as important as keeping it running.

Here are some maintenance guidelines:
1. Disinfect after each use
2. Discard all disposable parts and do not reuse any disposable parts.
3. Follow appropriate biohazardous material disposal guidelines.
4. Clean your suction unit with a mild cleanser and be sure to rinse thoroughly!
5. When disinfect the mechanical devices of the equipment, follow the instruction manual.
6. Do not immerse your suction device in water

Here are some tips for disinfecting suction units:
Always wear personal protective equipment when handling contaminated equipment:
1. The gloves
2. Face and eye protection
3. The protective clothing
4. Disconnect the device from any power supply before cleaning.
5. Disconnect the battery from the PC board when cleaning the internal chassis.
6. Remember to use disinfectant wipes to clean all external surfaces of the device, such as control knobs, screens and handles.

Remember: An important rule of thumb in patient care is to always treat patients the way you want to be treated. The same goes for your device: if you are on the receiving end of treatment, always leave it where you want it to be.

As a paramedic, you have enough to worry about without adding to the burden of equipment failure or contamination. Therefore, please keep your Suction Unit running smoothly and safely and be ready when you need it.