Trach tube supplies

Purpose

A GO BAG has all the supplies needed to manage your child’s airway if you need to do an emergency trach change. The GO BAG must be with your child at all times. Restock your GO BAG often as you use supplies.

Supplies needed

Same-size trach tube
Same-size trach tube with trach ties attached in a Ziploc bag or other clean storage container

Smaller-size trach tube
Used if you cannot get the same-size trach tube back into your child.

Water-soluble lubricant
Goes on the trach tube prior to inserting in stoma.

Normal saline
Used with suctioning if the secretions are thick. It is also used to instill drops into the trach tube if the artificial nose is used longer than ordered.

Trach ties
Used to secure the new trach.

Suction kits
Used to remove secretions from the trach tube.

Scissors
Used to cut the old ties if you are not able to remove them.

Manual Resuscitator Bag
Used to give breaths and should have the appropriate sized mask.

Tape
If you can’t get a trach back in and your child needs breaths you would put tape over the stoma and provide mouth to mouth or bag mask ventilation.

Suction machine
Keep fully charged and carry the power cord with you at all times.

Heat Moisture Exchanger (HME)

Special directions

• Any type of bag can be used for the GO BAG. Make sure:
  – It is easy to carry.
  – It is big enough to hold supplies.
  – The supplies can be easily found.
• Do not put extra supplies in this bag.
• Always check the GO BAG when you are taking over for another caregiver. You don’t know if they took something out and did not replace it.
• Keep a supply list in your GO BAG. This will help guide caregivers if they do not remember what is needed.