Suction Training Course (Level 3)

Suction Training Course

Suction Training provides healthcare professionals and caregivers with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to perform airway suctioning safely and effectively. This Level 3 course covers key topics including respiratory anatomy, suctioning techniques (oral, nasal, and tracheal), correct use of equipment, infection control procedures, and patient safety.

The training equips staff with the practical skills to manage and maintain a clear airway for individuals with breathing difficulties, reducing the risk of complications and supporting better care outcomes. It is aligned with UK standards such as those set by the CQC, Skills for Care, and NHS clinical guidance.

Hands-on practice and competency workbook assessments are included, allowing learners to build confidence, apply safe suctioning techniques, and ensure accurate documentation in a care settings.

For high-risk settings or direct care roles, practical training is strongly recommended. Ideally, learners should complete both theory and practical sessions to build capacity, confidence, and meet national healthcare standards.

Delegates will receive a Level3 Suction Awareness Certificate upon successfully completing the course.

📌Best Paired With:  Oxygen Training course and Nebuliser Training to make a full day’s worth of training.

Course Information:

• Course Duration: 2-3 hours
• Course Level: Level 3
• Certificate: 2-year certificate
• Max Delegates: 12
• Practical: Yes
• Course Mode: Face to Face / Online (Virtual)
• Pre-requisite: None (basic knowledge is useful).

Course Outline

The breakdown of the course content includes:

1. Introduction to Suctioning

This section explains what suctioning is, why it is needed, and the different types, such as oral and nasal suctioning. It also covers when suctioning should be carried out and the main reasons a person might require it.

2. Basic Anatomy for Suctioning

This part describes the relevant parts of the body involved in suctioning, including the mouth, nose, throat, and windpipe. It also explains the common sites where suctioning is performed.

3. Observing and Assessing the Patient

You will learn how to observe a patient during suctioning, what signs to watch for, and how to carry out an oral assessment before suctioning.

4. Risks of Suctioning

This section outlines the possible risks of suctioning, such as low oxygen levels, tissue damage, infection, and how to reduce these risks.

5. Infection Prevention and Control

You will learn how to handle soiled linen and clinical waste safely (15.1e), clean equipment properly, and follow infection control procedures.

6. Consent and Confidentiality

This part explains what consent means and why it is important to get permission before suctioning. It also covers the importance of securely recording and storing patient information (14.1b).

7. Respecting Privacy and Dignity

You will learn how to position the patient correctly and prepare the equipment and environment. This section also covers situations where a patient’s privacy and dignity might be compromised (7.1b) and how to maintain them (7.1c).

8. Practical Skills: Oral Suctioning

This section demonstrates the correct oral suctioning procedure. You will watch a demonstration and then practise the procedure, using proper equipment and safety methods.

9. Summary and Assessment

You will review the key points from the course, complete a short test, and demonstrate safe suctioning skills. The session will finish with time for questions and feedback.

Learning Outcome

Upon successfully completing the suction course, you’ll be able to:

• Understand oral suction basics: Know what it is, why it’s needed, when to do it, where it’s done, and the risks to be aware of.
• Observe safely during suction or oral care: Recognise signs of trouble, help when needed, and keep everything clean to prevent infection.
• Understand and respect consent: Learn what consent means, how to ask for it politely, and how to deal with cultural differences.
• Keep records safe and accurate: Know why it’s important to write down the right information, store it safely, and use it to improve care.
• Spot privacy and dignity risks: Understand when a patient’s privacy or dignity might be affected and how to protect them, including cultural or religious beliefs.
• Prepare and carry out suction safely: Get the patient ready, perform suction safely, solve any problems, and provide care after suctioning.

This course will give you the knowledge and skills to perform safe, respectful, and effective oral suction care.

People also booked these additional courses:

📌Tracheostomy course for carers and nurses

📌Oral Health Training

📌Oxygen Therapy Training

Course Benefits

Caring for Care’s Suction Training offers a comprehensive range of benefits tailored for healthcare professionals and carers involved in airway management.

Here is a breakdown of what participants will gain by taking this course:

Key Course Benefits

• Qualified Trainers: The course is taught by skilled healthcare professionals with real suctioning experience, giving practical advice and best practice tips.
• Clinical Confidence: Hands-on practice helps build the skills needed to suction safely and effectively.
• Infection Control Skills: Learn how to lower infection risks by using good hygiene, handling equipment properly, and keeping good records.
• Risk Assessment: Understand when suctioning should be done, when it should be avoided, and when it might cause harm.
• Legal and Ethical Awareness: Covers how to get consent and respect patient dignity, making sure care meets official standards.
• Certification: Get a Level 3 certificate that is valid for two years, showing you are skilled in oral and nasal suctioning techniques.
• Practical Use: Includes real-life examples and how to use equipment to support what you learn in theory.
• Competency Workbook: You will receive a complete workbook to guide you through competency at your workplace.
• Works in Many Settings: Suitable for care homes, hospitals, and community care, making it useful in different jobs.

Our practical suctioning training builds hands-on skills, reduces mistakes in real situations, and boosts confidence. In contrast, theory-only courses lack this practical experience, which can lower readiness for emergency management.

Why Learning Suction Awareness Training Is Important?

Learning the correct way to suction a patient is vital to prevent airway trauma, infection, and respiratory distress. It ensures a safe technique, protects patient dignity, and supports sound clinical decision-making. Proper training also meets UK regulatory standards, helping caregivers provide effective and compliant care in both emergency and routine healthcare settings.

1. Prevents patient injury and complications

Proper training reduces risks and helps avoid harm during suctioning.

• Prevents damage to the airway: Using the wrong technique or suction catheter can cause cuts, bruises, or serious injury to the mouth, windpipe, and vocal cords. This risk is greater for vulnerable patients like children and the older people.
• Reduces risk of infection: Poor hygiene or technique can introduce germs into the airway, leading to infections such as pneumonia. Training emphasises strict infection control, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and sterile methods.
• Prevents low oxygen levels and heart issues: Suctioning for too long or without proper oxygen support can lower oxygen levels, causing hypoxia. It can also overstimulate the vagus nerve, which may slow the heart rate dangerously (bradycardia).
• Ensures effective airway clearance: Incorrect technique or equipment can fail to clear the airway, leading to choking, breathing difficulties, or cardiac arrest.

2. Builds caregiver confidence and competence

Hands-on training helps carers act quickly and confidently in emergencies.

• Provides practical experience: Training often includes practice with mannequins and equipment, allowing staff to gain experience in a safe environment, reducing anxiety during real situations.
• Teaches you when to act: Caregivers learn to recognise signs that suctioning is necessary, such as noisy breathing, visible secretions, or changes in skin colour, preventing unnecessary suctioning that could cause harm.
• Encourages fast and correct action: Knowing and practising the correct steps can be the difference between a successful intervention and serious mistakes in an emergency.

3. Maintains patient dignity and respect

Suctioning can be uncomfortable and distressing. Proper training ensures it is done with care and respect.

• Emphasises consent: Caregivers learn to explain the procedure clearly and obtain informed consent from the patient or their representative.
• Minimises distress: Staff are trained to communicate calmly and compassionately to reduce the patient’s fear and discomfort.
• Protects privacy: Training covers how to maintain the patient’s privacy and dignity throughout the procedure.

4. Supports professional standards and compliance

Formal training ensures staff follow best practices and meet legal requirements.

• Standardises procedures: Training ensures all staff follow the same safe and evidence-based methods, improving the quality of care.
• Improves record-keeping: Staff learn the importance of accurate and secure records for ongoing care and legal compliance.
• Familiarises staff with equipment: Training covers the correct use and maintenance of different suction devices and attachments.

Incorrect suction techniques can cause serious complications, including airway trauma, bleeding, hypoxia, infection, and increased patient distress. Poor practice may also lead to aspiration or damage to mucosal tissues, compromising patient safety and breaching clinical care standards.

Who Should Attend Suction Training?

Suction training is suitable for a range of healthcare professionals and support staff, including:

• Registered nurses
• Healthcare assistants
• Support workers
• Carers in domiciliary or residential care
• Paramedics
• Clinical educators
• Palliative care staff
• Staff involved in airway management
• New care staff during induction
• Staff needing refresher training
• Individuals working under delegated healthcare tasks

Medical suctioning course is for healthcare staff and carers who may need to clear a patient’s airway of extra secretions or fluids. The level of training needed depends on how complex the suctioning is, such as the difference between oral suction and deep tracheal suction.

Career Opportunities

Completing a one-day suction care training can open up various career opportunities in the healthcare field. Here are some paths you might consider:

1. Healthcare Assistant

As a healthcare assistant, you can help patients with their daily activities and support nurses and doctors. Knowing how to suction can make you a valuable part of the team, especially in settings like hospitals or care homes.

2. Nursing Roles

If you decide to pursue nursing, having suction care training can give you a head start. Nurses often need to perform suctioning to help patients breathe better. This training can make you more confident in your skills.

3. Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists help patients with breathing problems. Understanding suctioning is important in this job because it helps keep patients’ airways clear. Training in suction care can prepare you for this career.

4. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

As an EMT, you respond to emergencies and provide care on the scene. Knowing how to suction is crucial in many situations, like when a patient is having trouble breathing. This training can give you an edge in this fast-paced job.

5. Caregiver for Support Needs

Caregivers who work with individuals who have functional needs often assist with medical procedures. Training in suction care can help you provide better support to those who need it.

6. Home Health Aide

Home health aides help patients in their homes with daily tasks and medical needs. Being trained in suction care means you can assist patients who require suctioning, making you a more effective aide.

7. Healthcare Trainers

With your knowledge of suction care, you could work as a health educator, teaching others about suctioning and its importance in healthcare. This role could involve training staff or educating patients and their families.

Course Testimonials

Our Oral Suctioning course has been rated ‘Excellent’ by over 100 people who have taken the training in different places across the UK.

You can find thousands of reviews online, showing that 99% of people would recommend our course. This is because of our great teaching, hands-on training, and how confident our students feel doing suctioning the right way.

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“Training on oral and nasopharangeal suctioning by Ben was awsome. I gained theoretical as well as practical knowledge regarding nasopharangeal suctioning. Thank you so much for your training.” – Catharin Jose

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“John Starr got all information about suction over to our group in a way we all understood” – Sam Jarvis

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“I’m a practicing physio and had training from Ben for oral and nasopharyngeal suction training. It was really informative, and I learned a lot! 👍🏻” – Warda Butt

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“The training on nebuliser, oral and naso suction, cough assist and oxygen awareness was superb” – Chidi Onwuta

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“I really enjoyed the training with Jen, very good , explained everything clearly and would highly recommend this service.” – Anita

Questions and Answers

Do you teach oral suction in the course?

Yes, we teach oral suctioning as part of our comprehensive suction training course. Learners develop practical skills to safely remove oral secretions, keep the airway clear, and prevent aspiration. The training is led by experienced clinicians and covers infection control, risk checks, and equipment handling. This ensures participants are confident and competent in real-world care settings.

You can combine the oral suctioning training with basic airway management, infection control, and dysphagia awareness to build a comprehensive skill set for safer, more responsive patient care.

Is a Prerequisite Certificate Required for Suction Training?

No, a prerequisite certificate is not usually required to enrol in a suction training course in the UK. Caring for Care’s Suction Course is made for healthcare workers, support staff, or carers who work in places where suctioning might be needed. It’s suitable for beginners, refresher training, or general awareness.

A basic understanding of patient care is helpful, and working in a care role makes the training easier to apply. For care organisations, like home care services, the awareness training can be part of staff development or required training.

Do you need training to suction a patient and who is allowed to suction?

Yes, training is required before suctioning a patient. Only trained and competent staff such as nurses, paramedics, or support workers working under delegation are allowed to perform suctioning. It is a high-risk procedure that requires knowledge of technique, timing, and patient monitoring to prevent harm. Training ensures safe practice and helps staff follow clinical standards.

What other suction courses do you teach in the course?

In addition to oral suctioning, Caring for Care’s Suction Awareness Course can be adapted to include nasal, deep, tracheostomy, and Yankauer suctioning. Each method is taught with hands-on practice, real-life examples, and clear guidance on consent, patient positioning, and care after the procedure.

Participants build skills in safe airway management, infection control, and emergency response. The training can also be combined with oxygen therapy, cough assist, or infection control sessions for a full-day course.

This gives a full understanding of airway care, suitable for both hospital and community settings.

Why do we need to suction secretions?

We suction secretions to keep the airway clear and open, especially in patients who can’t clear mucus or saliva on their own. This helps prevent aspiration, lowers the risk of respiratory infections, and improves oxygen levels and overall comfort.

For instance, oral suctioning clears saliva, mucus, and other secretions from the mouth to keep the airway open, reduce the risk of aspiration, and support effective breathing—especially in patients with swallowing difficulties or reduced consciousness.

Deep suctioning, on the other hand, removes mucus and secretions from the lower respiratory tract. It helps prevent airway blockage, lowers infection risk, and supports breathing in patients with compromised lungs.

Suctioning is vital in emergency care, after surgery, and for people with neurological or swallowing problems (dysphagia), helping to maintain safe and effective breathing.

What does suction awareness course covers?

Suction course usually covers different techniques to make sure airway management is safe and effective in various care settings. Common types include:

• Oral suctioning: clearing secretions from the mouth using a Yankauer or catheter.
• Nasopharyngeal suctioning: accessing the nasal passages and upper throat.
• Oropharyngeal suctioning: deeper suctioning through the mouth into the pharynx.
• Tracheostomy suctioning: managing secretions through a tracheostomy tube.
• Endotracheal suctioning: used for ventilated patients through an endotracheal tube.
•  Paediatric and neonatal suctioning: adapted for smaller airways and lower suction pressures.

Training usually covers infection control, how to handle equipment, patient positioning, and recognising problems like low oxygen or injury. If you want, I can help simplify or add more detail for different reading levels or clinical roles. You can discuss the suction type you want to focus on with our team to understand what we do.

Why is the Suction Machine Important in Training?

Understanding how to use a suction machine is essential during training, as it allows learners to practise clearing airways safely and correctly. It helps them become familiar with equipment setup, pressure control, and infection prevention.

Training also covers key points like suction duration, usually 5 to 10 seconds per pass, depending on whether the patient is an adult or infant. Learners are taught to apply suction only during catheter withdrawal to reduce risks such as low oxygen, injury, or distress. They also learn to adjust technique based on the patient’s response and to monitor vital signs throughout the procedure.

Is Suction Training Suitable for Carers and Support Staff?

Yes, our suction training is suitable for carers, especially those who help people with airway problems in homes, communities, or healthcare settings. Caring for Care designed this course for care staff, support workers, nurses, and other health workers.

You will learn:

• How to safely and effectively do oral, nasal, and tracheal suctioning.
• Infection control and how to use equipment properly.
• How to spot signs of breathing problems and choking.
• How to keep accurate records and monitor patients.
• How to give care that respects the person and keeps them comfortable.

Whether you work in domiciliary care, supported living, or a care home, this training ensures you are well prepared to manage respiratory needs safely and meet UK care standards.

What guidelines does your suction course covers?

Caring for Care’s suction course follows key UK clinical and regulatory guidelines to ensure safe and effective airway management. The course usually covers:

• NICE and CQC standards for suctioning in care settings
• Infection control, including using PPE and cleaning equipment properly
• Safe suction times and pressure, especially for children and other vulnerable people
• How to spot problems like low oxygen, bleeding, or injury
• How to keep records and report issues, following NHS rules
• Giving care that respects the person’s dignity and gets their consent

These guidelines help learners perform suction confidently and in line with regulations across domiciliary, residential, and clinical environments.