If Tracheostomy Less Than 4 Days Old

STAT intervention is required because tract can collapse suddenly—notify HCP and RT STAT.

• Open tracheostomy with a sterile hemostat, suction catheter, or sterile gloved finger to maintain airway and to keep edges of tracheostomy from collapsing.
• If Pt cannot breathe, ventilate using BVM.
• If you cannot be sure someone clinically prepared to reinsert tracheostomy tube will arrive within 1 min, call a Code.

If Tracheostomy Greater Than 4 Days Old

Tract will be well formed and will not close quickly.

• Notify HCP and RT that tube needs to be replaced.
• Obtain replacement tube if not already at Pt’s bedside.
• Stay with Pt and prepare for insertion of new tube.