Experience with Res-Q-Vac?

Ainsley's Mom · #1 08-21-2007, 04:23 PM

Have you tried the Res-Q-Vac? I've attached a link for those who don't know what it is.

http://www.firstrespondersupplies.com/asccustompages/products.asp?cartID=&affID=&categoryid=17&navParen t=16

If so, how well does it work?

Any other ideas for a portable means to suction while on the go?

Thanks,
Susan

JWorthington · #2 08-21-2007, 05:50 PM

I think Kate (Angus Mum) has one, she thinks its great. We have a Laerdal manual suction pump - I would only use it for emergencies though.

Julie

Ainsley's Mom · #3 08-21-2007, 06:30 PM

Julie,
That's pretty cool looking. It looks more compact than the Res-q-vac. Just curious why you wouldn't recommend it other than for emergencies. Obviously any hand vac isn't probably as good as a regular suction machine. But for short outings? Mostly I want something for when I take the other kids to school. So that I don't have to carrry all the equipment for a 5-10 minute drop off. I would always have the regular suction machine in the car.

suzanne2545 · #4 08-21-2007, 09:31 PM

Susan, I posted a similar question awhile back and someone (Deb, I think) mentioned that she used a nasal aspirator. Parker rarely has to be suctioned anymore and I was thinking along the lines of something in a restaurant for being slightly more discreet. Not to mention, where do you put the thing. I, too, would always have the suction machine in the car within less than a minute away. I keep meaning to buy a nasal aspirator and try it out, but I always forget. Parker hasn't needed a suction cath in months. We just tip suction after he coughs up or sneezes and when he wears his PMV that is quite infrequently these days, so I imagine the aspirator would work for us. In fact. There have been some days when I've been out with just him that I leave the suction in the car to run into a smaller store to look. I wouldn't do it if I had all three kids by myself because if I had to corral all of them and get outside that could take like 28 minutes, but if I'm just going in with Parker in a sling or something I just go and plan to run out if I need it. Haven't needed it yet.

Suzanne

Ainsley's Mom · #5 08-21-2007, 10:29 PM

Suzanne,
Unfortunately Ainsley still requires a LOT of suctioning. She can cough the secretions up but they stay at the tip of the trach and if you leave it she'll keep coughing which is likely to make her throw up.

I've experimented with a nasal aspirator in the past (and kept it in the suction bag as a backup) but I cut off the end to fit a suction catheter. Today I added a "Little Sucker" instead of the catheter which seems to work better (if you can get away with just tip suctioning). What's nice is that you can see what's coming out because it's clear. Plus I think it's easier to clean because it's then two pieces that come apart and is a little wider than the bulb syringe alone. I tried using it exclusively for the last few hours and it's a bit of a pain but would work in a pinch. I'm finding it's good to practice at home. It works best if they are laying on their side or leaning forward sitting up (not laying on their back). I also think if she happened to get a plug unexpectedly I could change out the trach (which I always keep in the diaper bag) and run back to the car.

It's low tech and surely NOT recommended by your RT or doctor.

I've attached a link to the Little Sucker so you can see what that is. I think I'll keep trying it at home with my suction machine nearby until I feel confident it'll work for us for those short trips when I don't want to bring the stroller full of gear.

http://www.neotechproducts.com/store...NT-12&session=

JWorthington · #6 08-22-2007, 02:24 AM

Susan - the reason I have the laerdal for emergencies only is because you need the muscles of a weight lifter to operate the darn thing! It is really hard to pull the handle back to get any suction (probably because of the vacuum I know) But if a lot of suction was needed you would probably end up with one arm like an all-in wrestler!

Juliex