HCP RESOURCES

HCP RESOURCES

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Training reminders

1

Ask the doctor or clinician questions – don’t be afraid.

2

Take lots of notes during all training sessions.

3

Practice using and caring for the patient in a controlled environment while supervised.

4

Have the doctor or clinician help you practice what to do in an emergency situation. Be sure you have a plan.

5

Make sure you have a written plan to guide other caregivers for all situations.

Homecare training

At the hospital, the nursing and respiratory staff will teach you the skills needed such as:
  • Information on the lungs and the disease process
  • Ventilator use, settings, and troubleshooting
  • Ventilator breathing circuit changes
  • Suctioning (tracheal, nasal, and oral) and tracheostomy care
  • Emergency preparedness
  • CPR and proper use of a manual resuscitation bag
  • Infection control techniques
  • How and when to give medications
  • Battery use and transport with the ventilator

Tracheostomy care

If your home treatment will include tracheostomy care, the nurse or respiratory therapist may also cover how to:
  • Use a suction catheter to clear secretions from the tracheostomy tube
  • Clean and care for the tracheostomy stoma (the opening through which the tube enters the throat)
  • Clean and care for the tracheostomy tube and inner cannula
  • Operate and care for the suction machine
  • What to do if the tracheostomy tube comes out

Learn more about tracheostomy care

The information and guidance presented on this website is informational only and not intended to influence practice or supersede the instructions for use of any specific device.