Oral Suctioning

Gain a solid foundation in:

• Anatomy of the respiratory system
• Indications for suctioning and recognizing when intervention is necessary
• The difference between oral and nasal suctioning techniques
• Proper positioning of patients and preparation of equipment
• Use of the Yankauer catheter and safe suction application
• Maintaining hygiene and infection control
• Understanding and managing potential complications
• Handling emergency suctioning scenarios
• Disposal of used materials and equipment
• Accurate documentation and reporting
• Your scope of practice as a Support Worker
• Importance of following client care plan and organisational policies and procedures.
• Client assessment and ongoing monitoring
• Clients with neurological conditions, post-operative needs, or age-related challenges often cannot clear secretions independently.

Knowing when and how to perform suctioning can:

• Improve and optimise the client’s  oxygenation
• Prevent airway obstruction
• Improve the quality of care and clients’ comfort
• Reduce the risk of respiratory infections

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the basic anatomy of the respiratory system.
2. Recognise when oral suctioning is required.
3. Differentiate between oral and nasal suctioning.
4. Prepare equipment and position clients safely.
5. Perform oral suctioning using a Yankauer catheter.
6. Apply infection control throughout the procedure.
7. Monitor clients and respond to complications.
8. Follow care plans and workplace policies.
9. Accurately document the procedure and outcomes.
10. Work within the support worker’s scope of practice.