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WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY TRACHEOSTOMY DECANNULATION?

WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY TRACHEOSTOMY DECANNULATION?
Laura Castricone, CRT

A decannulation is when the tracheostomy tube is removed from the neck and the stoma (opening in the neck) is allowed to heal. This is a procedure planned by a physician when the patient is fully ready to breathe without needing a bypass.

An emergency decannulation, however, is when the tracheostomy tube is removed from the stoma by accident.

Things keep in Mind During Tracheostomy Decannulation

This is truly a medical emergency since most tracheostomies are done to keep a “patent” airway.

Should an emergency decannulation occur, you must prepare to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

If you have a smaller tracheostomy tube to insert into the stoma in the meantime, and you can insert it easily without force or resistance, it will keep the stoma from closing and keep a route for breathing.

Unfortunately, not many tracheostomy patients have an additional trach tube in a smaller size at hand or an “emergency decannulation kit.”

 

Decannulation of Tracheostomy Protocol

  • An emergency decannulation must be addressed ASAP.
  • Do not go to a doctor’s office or walk-in clinic, they will not have the appropriate tools to assist. This situation needs an emergency medical intervention!
  • And even if you do have an emergency decannulation kit to insert a smaller size tube you still need to go to the emergency room so that the proper tube can be reinserted.
  • Time is of the essence as the stoma can close very quickly!

As always, if you have any questions about your tracheostomy, immediately contact your provider and/or go to a local emergency room to have it addressed.

 

Author Profile: Laura Castricone, Respiratory Therapist

Laura Castricone (Certified Respiratory Therapist)

My name is Laura Castricone and I am a Certified Respiratory Therapist. I have been practicing in the state of Connecticut since 1992. I have worked in several aspects of respiratory care including sleep medicine, critical care, rehab, and home care. I earned my respiratory certification at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. Prior to becoming an RT, I attended the University of Connecticut pursuing a degree in English but left Uconn in my junior year to work with my father in the restaurant business. I stayed with him for over a dozen years. An education, by the way, that can never be bought! Once I married and had children, the restaurant business no longer fit my lifestyle. When my children were one and two years old, I decided to go back to school and that is where my career in respiratory care began. This career has been very rewarding and I have been blessed to meet some extraordinary people along the way. I grew up in Waterbury, CT, and now live in Litchfield County, CT with my husband and our crazy Jack Russell terrier, Hendrix. My hobbies include antiquing, gardening, writing plays, and painting miniature paintings.

 

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.

 


HPFY Laura Castricone, CRT

Laura Castricone, CRT

LinkedIn Profile My name is Laura Castricone and I am a Certified Respiratory Therapist. I have been practicing in the state of Connecticut since 1992. I have worked in several aspects of respiratory ...

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