Suction Training Level 3

Suction Awareness Training Course

The Suction Training course provides healthcare professionals and carers with the basic knowledge and skills to safely carry out suctioning procedures. This course is for anyone working in care or nursing environments where suction is needed.

The course covers how the respiratory system works and when suctioning is required, such as when the airway is blocked or there is a build-up of secretions.

Participants will learn how to perform suctioning safely using different methods, including oral, nasal, and tracheal techniques, while focusing on keeping the patient safe and comfortable.

The course also covers how to use equipment properly, infection control practices, and how to recognise problems like low oxygen levels or injury.

Through practical examples, learners will feel more confident in knowing when suctioning is needed and how to do it properly.

This training is perfect for nurses, care assistants, and support staff, helping them follow best practices and provide better care for patients with breathing needs.

The course can be expanded to cover nasopharyngeal suctioning if required, please ensure you mention this during your enquiry.

Our trainers will bring a suction machine and all the required equipment with them for your staff to use during the training 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: 1-year certificate
• Max Delegates: 12
• Practical: Yes
• Accredited: Yes ✅
• Course Mode: Face to Face / Online (Virtual)
• Pre-requisite: None (basic knowledge is useful).

Suction Course Outline

1. Define what suctioning is:

• Suctioning is the process of removing blockages from a person’s airway, such as mucus or fluids, to help them breathe more easily.

2. Explain why and when to suction:

• Suctioning is important when a person’s airway is blocked, or when they cannot clear their throat or nose on their own.
• It helps keep the airway clear and prevents breathing problems.

3. List the reasons for requiring suction:

• Airway obstruction (blocked airway)
• Excess mucus or fluid in the throat or lungs
• Vomit or secretions blocking breathing
• Prevent choking or suffocation

4. Label relevant anatomy and sites for suctioning:

• Mouth (oral cavity)
• Throat (pharynx)
• Windpipe (trachea)

5. Describe observing an individual during suction and conducting an oral assessment:

• Watch for signs of distress or difficulty breathing.
• Look for any signs of infection or blockages in the mouth or throat.
• Perform a thorough oral check to look for mucus or foreign objects.

6. List potential risks of suction:

• Damage to tissue
• Infections
• Low oxygen levels (hypoxia)
• Physical trauma to the airway

7. Explain the principles of safe handling of infected or soiled linen and clinical waste:

• Always dispose of dirty linen and waste carefully to stop infection.
• Follow infection control guidelines for safe disposal.

8. Define consent:

• Consent is when a person agrees to a medical procedure, and it is important to make sure patients understand and agree to suctioning before it is done.

9. Explain why it is important to have secure systems for recording, storing, and sharing information:

• Patient information must be kept safe and private.
• Only the right people should have access to health information.

10. Demonstrate correct positioning of the patient and preparation of equipment and environment:

• Make sure the patient is comfortable and positioned safely.
• Prepare the suction equipment and clean the area to ensure safety and hygiene.

11. Privacy & Dignity:

• List situations where an individual’s privacy and dignity could be compromised:
  • Suctioning without proper privacy or respect for the patient’s personal space.
  • Talking about the patient’s condition in front of others without their consent.
• Describe how to maintain privacy and dignity in the work setting:
  • Always respect the patient’s personal space.
  • Keep their information private and only share it with those who need to know.
  • Use curtains, screens, or doors to give privacy during the procedure.

Course Conclusion:

• Review of key topics covered in the course.
• Hands-on practice of suctioning techniques.
• Questions and feedback session to ensure understanding.

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

Benefits of Suction Training Course:

1. Gain Essential Skills:

• Learn how to perform oral suction safely and effectively, ensuring the best care for patients.

2. Boost Confidence:

• Understand the risks and best practices, allowing you to act quickly and competently when suctioning is needed.

3. Respect and Dignity:

Learn how to maintain patient privacy and dignity during suction, creating a respectful care environment.

4. Clear Understanding of Consent:

Gain a solid understanding of consent and how to handle it professionally and respectfully.

5. Accurate Record Keeping:

Learn the importance of keeping accurate records and storing them securely, improving care continuity.

6. Cultural Sensitivity:

• Understand how to manage cultural and religious differences when providing care, ensuring a holistic approach.

7. Practical Use:

• The course includes practical sessions to help you apply your skills in real-life situations.

8. Improved Patient Outcomes:

• With the knowledge gained, you’ll be better equipped to prevent complications and provide high-quality care.

By completing this course, you’ll be well-prepared to deliver safe and respectful suction care, improving patient experiences and outcomes.

Who Should Attend Suction Training?

Settings where suction skills are needed:

• Care Homes
• Nursing Homes
• Hospitals
• Community Healthcare
• Home Healthcare

Roles needing suction courses:

• Nurses: Nurses working in hospitals or clinics, particularly those helping patients with breathing problems, should take this training.
• Care Assistants: People caring for others in nursing homes or at home can learn essential suction skills to assist their patients.
• Paramedics: Emergency responders who assist people in urgent situations can benefit from knowing how to use suction equipment safely.
• Students in Nursing or Health Courses: Those studying to become nurses or healthcare professionals should take this course to learn this vital skill early.
• Healthcare Workers: Anyone training in healthcare should consider this course to enhance their ability to care for patients effectively.
• Home Health Aides: Caregivers providing care in patients’ homes can use suction skills to keep airways clear and help those in need.

This training is valuable for anyone who provides patient care and wants to learn how to ensure airways are kept clear and safe.

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 Special Needs

Caregivers who work with individuals who have special 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 Answer

1. What is Suction Awareness Training?

Suction awareness training teaches healthcare workers how to safely perform suctioning procedures. It focuses on clearing airways and keeping patients safe.

2. Who conducts the training?

The training is led by experienced clinical tutors, usually nurses or doctors, who have worked in care settings.

3. What topics are covered in the course?

The course covers:

• What suctioning is and why it is important
• Types of suctioning (oral, nasal, tracheal)
• How to use the right equipment
• Infection control practices
• When suctioning is needed
• How to handle risks and complications

4. Is practical training included?

Yes, our half-day Suction Awareness course includes hands-on practice. You will have the opportunity to practice using suction machines, helping you feel confident in performing suction safely.

5. How long does the training take?

The training usually takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on how much is covered and the amount of practice included.

Other FAQs

6. Where is the training delivered?

We offer this training as a group course of about 12 people. Kindly check our public course page for available individual clinical courses.

7. What certification is provided?

After completing the course, you will receive a level 3 certificate in Stoma Care Awareness. This course is endorsed by Skills for Care and CPD.

8. What are the benefits of trainer-led sessions?

Our trainer-led courses offer personalised learning experience, instant feedback during practice, and a better understanding of complex situations compared to online courses.

9. Can additional topics be covered during training?

Yes, the course can be customised to include advanced techniques, such as suctioning deeper areas, or other topics like using nebulisers or oxygen therapy. Please speak with our Course Advisors before booking to discuss your specific needs.