TL;DR

Suctioning: Mechanical airway clearance using rigid (Yankauer) or flexible catheters. Maximum 15 seconds.

By Valenke Exam Prep Team·Last updated 2026-06-02

Suctioning

NREMT EMT NREMT PARAMEDIC

Definition

Mechanical airway clearance using rigid (Yankauer) or flexible catheters. Maximum 15 seconds.

Assessment Techniques

Assessment techniques for suctioning:

OPQRST: Components: Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time. Scoring: Pain assessment mnemonic
Glasgow Coma Scale: Components: Eye opening (1-4), Verbal response (1-5), Motor response (1-6). Scoring: 3-15, 8 or less = severe, 9-12 = moderate, 13-15 = mild
Cincinnati Stroke Scale: Components: Facial droop, Arm drift, Speech abnormality. Scoring: Any 1 positive = 72% probability of stroke

Equipment & Tools

Equipment used in suctioning assessment and treatment:

IO drill: Intraosseous access device for emergent vascular access. Available sizes: EZ-IO: 15mm (peds), 25mm (adult), 45mm (obese)
Waveform capnograph: Measures end-tidal CO2 continuously with waveform display. Available sizes: Mainstream (inline), Sidestream (sampling)
AED: Automated external defibrillator for VF/pVT. Available sizes: Adult pads (over 8yo or 25kg), Pediatric pads (under 8yo or 25kg)
BVM: Bag-valve-mask for manual ventilation. Available sizes: Adult (1500mL), Pediatric (500mL), Infant (250mL)

Professional Standards

Professional standards for suctioning are established by the relevant certification body and regulatory agencies. Certified professionals must demonstrate competency through examination and maintain credentials through continuing education. Scope of practice is defined by state law and facility policy. Never perform tasks outside your authorized scope.

Differential Diagnosis

When assessing suctioning, use structured assessment tools to differentiate between possible causes:

SAMPLE: Components: Signs/symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last intake, Events. Scoring: Mnemonic for patient history gathering.

Cincinnati Stroke Scale: Components: Facial droop, Arm drift, Speech abnormality. Scoring: Any 1 positive = 72% probability of stroke.

Why It Matters

Suction technique and duration tested on EMT exam.

Practice This Topic

Practice emt air anatomy → NREMT EMT

Ready to practice for the NREMT EMT?

Adaptive practice powered by Item Response Theory targets your weak areas. Start with 3 free sessions.

Start free practice →

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment is needed for managing suctioning in the field?▼

For suctioning: King airway provides Supraglottic blind-insertion airway device. Waveform capnograph provides Measures end-tidal CO2 continuously with waveform display. AED provides Automated external defibrillator for VF/pVT.

What assessment tools help evaluate suctioning?▼

For suctioning: Cincinnati Stroke Scale: evaluates Facial droop, Arm drift, Speech abnormality; scoring is Any 1 positive = 72% probability of stroke. Glasgow Coma Scale: evaluates Eye opening (1-4), Verbal response (1-5), Motor response (1-6); scoring is 3-15, 8 or less = severe, 9-12 = moderate, 13-15 = mild.

What medications are commonly associated with suctioning?▼

For suctioning: albuterol: 2.5mg nebulized, can repeat, route Nebulized, for Bronchospasm, asthma, COPD. adenosine: 6mg rapid IV push, then 12mg if needed, route IV rapid push with flush, for SVT (narrow complex tachycardia).