Suctioning Course

Suctioning – Online Course

Course overview
This introductory Suctioning course provides an overview of airway suctioning, its purpose, common techniques and essential safety considerations. Learners explore respiratory and tracheostomy suctioning, relevant equipment, airway anatomy, patient monitoring and potential complications. The course supports knowledge development for healthcare professionals whose roles involve airway management, alongside appropriate practical training, clinical supervision and local procedures.

Please note: This is an introductory Level 1 awareness course. It provides theoretical knowledge and does not, on its own, establish practical competence to perform suctioning. Learners must follow their role boundaries, employer policies, clinical guidance and any practical or role-specific training required before undertaking suctioning procedures.

What the course covers
• Introduction to suctioning and key terminology
• Suctioning techniques and their applications
• Respiratory suctioning and tracheostomy suctioning
• The respiratory system and airway management
• The ABCs of patient care
• Respiratory failure and respiratory arrest
• Treatment approaches for respiratory emergencies
• Tracheostomy tubes and their components
• Methods and assessments for airway suctioning
• Monitoring individuals during and after suctioning
• Potential complications and associated risks
• Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airway suctioning
• Yankauer suction devices and suction pressure
• Oropharyngeal airway insertion sequence
• Nasopharyngeal airway insertion and duration of use
• Stimulating a cough and supporting airway clearance

Who is it for?
This course is intended for healthcare professionals whose roles involve respiratory support, airway management or the care of individuals who may require suctioning. Relevant learners may include respiratory nurses, intensive care and critical care staff, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, tracheostomy care teams, specialist nurses, respiratory physicians, nursing home and hospice care staff, community nurses and home healthcare workers. It can support induction, refresher training, general awareness and knowledge enhancement where appropriate to the learner’s role.

Practical benefits
• Understand the purpose and common indications for suctioning
• Identify relevant equipment and preparation requirements
• Improve awareness of infection prevention and safety precautions
• Recognise the importance of pre-procedure checks
• Understand monitoring requirements during and after care
• Identify potential complications and warning signs
• Recognise when to stop and seek clinical advice
• Understand documentation and escalation responsibilities
• Reinforce safe practice alongside practical training and local procedures

What learners will be able to do
• Explain the purpose and common indications for suctioning
• Identify relevant equipment and preparation considerations
• Describe key differences between respiratory and tracheostomy suctioning
• Understand infection prevention and essential safety precautions
• Recognise checks required before suctioning
• Identify possible complications and warning signs
• Understand the importance of monitoring the individual during and after care
• Recognise when to stop and seek clinical advice
• Understand accurate documentation and appropriate escalation procedures
• Apply theoretical knowledge within role boundaries and established clinical protocols

Assessment and certificate
The course takes approximately one hour to complete and is worth one CPD point. Learners complete an online quiz and receive a CPD-accredited Suctioning course certificate upon successful completion. Unlimited assessment retakes are available, and the certificate can be downloaded or printed.