Help, my child pulled out his trach tube!

[cbissell]

Try to stay calm and reinsert tube immediately, even if conditions are not ideal.

Make sure the trach ties are secure, snug but not too tight.

You might try a chain trach holder, which does not loosen like twill tape or Velcro ties.

A tracheostomy collar may be helpful in preventing the child from pulling out the trach tube. A trach collar is like a belt with a hole in the center for the trach tube opening, then it fastens in the back of the neck. Check with your doctor or medical supply vendor.

Caring for a child with a tracheostomy may cause anxiety. Try not to let the child see that you are anxious.

Try not to make a big deal about the trach, particularly if the child touches the trach tube. They will learn very quickly that by touching or pulling the trach tube, they receive attention, which tends to reinforce the behavior. Ignore the fact that they are touching the tube and try to divert the child's attention to something else, like a toy.

Once children develop a pattern of pulling on the trach tube, it is more difficult to control, especially for young children and children with developmental disabilities.