Breathing
Tracheostomy care and suctioning at home
A specially skilled nurse cares for an existing tracheostomy and suctions secretions when indicated.
Also known as: trach care at home, tracheostomy tube care, suctioning with a suction machine. In Urdu: ٹریکیوسٹومی کی نگہداشت اور سکشن. In Roman Urdu: Ghar par tracheostomy care aur suction.
- Needs a doctor’s order
- PNMC Registered Nurse with proof of training
- About 1.5 hours per visit
- The nurse’s own price, no fee for families
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Guide version: 54327973e186b926 · Clinical review confirmed by the publisher for this version
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Review recorded:
Review scope: Clinical nursing information reviewed by PNMC-registered nurses, including service preparation, supplies, family guidance, articles and FAQs.
The publisher confirms this review. Reviewer identities are not published.
Check whether this guide version is current
A version identifies this wording; it is not a certificate of safe care.
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Before the visit
Needs a doctor’s order
-
What the nurse does
PNMC Registered Nurse with proof of training
-
What the nurse records
What the nurse does
- Check breathing, the tracheostomy site and equipment
- Clean the site and change dressing or ties as ordered
- Suction when indicated and escalate breathing difficulty immediately
Nurses give the care that was booked, within the patient’s care plan. They do not diagnose or prescribe.
What the nurse records
Vital signs
Site & device
Safety
Every record also notes how the patient tolerated the care, any advice to see a doctor and a note for the family. The nurse signs it, and you check it together before the visit closes.
Before the visit
Confirm the supplies, quantities and equipment with the treating clinician or an appropriately trained nurse for the patient’s care plan before arranging care.
The family
- Working suction machine with tubing
What the nurse brings
- Pulse oximeterFingertip; reads oxygen saturation and pulse together
- Watch or phone timer with secondsTo count breaths for a full minute and time an observation period
These are the nurse’s own instruments and are never charged.
Used needles, dressings and other clinical waste are sealed and removed safely, and the nurse records how. You can confirm or flag it in the app.
Supplies to confirm
Family, or the nurse if you agree
- Sterile suction catheter (10–14 Fr)
- Sterile keyhole tracheostomy dressing
- Tracheostomy tube tie or holder
- Normal saline 0.9% ampoules for instillation
- Distilled water for rinsing tubing
- Sterile surgical gloves
- Surgical face mask
- Disposable apron
- Face shield or eye protectionIf needed
- Clinical waste disposal bag
What to prepare
- Have the current prescription or doctor’s order ready, and add a clear photo of it in the app when you send the request.
- Save the patient’s profile in the app, with allergies, conditions and mobility.
- Have ready: working suction machine with tubing. Only the family can arrange this.
- Tick the supplies you already have. The nurse can bring what is missing if you approve the amount in the app.
- Check the map pin on the patient’s door, and mention pets, stairs or anything else the nurse should know.
Catalogue supplies to confirm
Catalogue quantities and package sizes are stock estimates, not doses or instructions for dilution, flushing or device selection. Use only the items and amounts confirmed for the patient’s prescribed care plan.
When bookings open, discuss what you already have and agree who will arrange any confirmed missing supplies. Items bought at a medical store are charged at the receipt amount only after you approve the amount.
| Item | Catalogue quantity or pack size | List status | Who provides it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterile suction catheter (10–14 Fr) | 4 pieces | Listed | Family, or the nurse if you agree |
| Sterile keyhole tracheostomy dressing | 2 pieces | Listed | Family, or the nurse if you agree |
| Tracheostomy tube tie or holder | 1 piece | Listed | Family, or the nurse if you agree |
| Normal saline 0.9% ampoules for instillation | 5 ampoules | Listed | Family, or the nurse if you agree |
| Distilled water for rinsing tubing | 500 ml | Listed | Family, or the nurse if you agree |
| Sterile surgical gloves | 2 pairs | Listed | Family, or the nurse if you agree |
| Surgical face mask | 2 pieces | Listed | Family, or the nurse if you agree |
| Disposable apron | 1 piece | Listed | Family, or the nurse if you agree |
| Face shield or eye protection | 1 piece | If needed | Family, or the nurse if you agree |
| Clinical waste disposal bag | 2 bags | Listed | Family, or the nurse if you agree |
| Working suction machine with tubing | 1 machine at home | Listed | The family |
Questions about tracheostomy care
More about booking, paying and safety on the families page.
Do I need a doctor’s prescription for tracheostomy care?
Yes. Add a clear photo of the current prescription or doctor’s order when you send the request. Care cannot start until the order has been checked and approved, and the nurse follows it exactly. Nurses do not diagnose or prescribe.
How long does a tracheostomy care visit take?
About 1.5 hours. This is the typical visit length set for the service.
Who comes to the home for tracheostomy care?
Only a Registered Nurse whose registration has been checked on the official Pakistan Nursing & Midwifery Council (PNMC) register and whose identity has been reviewed by a person. For this procedure the nurse must also have an approved training or competency record for this exact procedure. Until it is approved, the service stays hidden.
How much does tracheostomy care at home cost?
Each nurse sets the visit price, which you review before confirming. Supplies are separate and need your approval. Online payments for visits and availability passes are planned but are not available yet. See pricing and the payment process. Only the family can arrange working suction machine with tubing.
How do I check tracheostomy care availability in my city?
See the city guides and booking availability. Confirm the care tasks, visit hours and coverage at the patient’s address before agreeing a visit.
Not for emergencies
Do not book a home visit for severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, signs of a stroke, heavy bleeding or other emergency signs. Call Rescue 1122 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department now.
Related services
Nebulizer treatment at home
A nurse gives a prescribed nebulizer treatment and watches the patient’s breathing response.
Home oxygen monitoring and safety review
A nurse checks prescribed home oxygen, oxygen levels and basic equipment safety. Oxygen is not started without a prescription.
Wound dressing and wound care at home
A nurse checks a wound and changes its dressing according to the current care plan or clinical order.
Bookings are not open yet
Nurse at Home is preparing to launch. Booking availability will depend on verified nurses and operational readiness in your area. Explore city planning guides and published home nursing costs while preparing for care.
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Visit preparation sheet
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Guide version: 54327973e186b926 · Clinical review confirmed by the publisher for this version
Publisher-confirmed review:
Review recorded:
Review scope: Clinical nursing information reviewed by PNMC-registered nurses, including service preparation, supplies, family guidance, articles and FAQs.
The publisher confirms this review. Reviewer identities are not published.
Check whether this guide version is current
A version identifies this wording; it is not a certificate of safe care.
Nurse at Home · nurseathome.pk
Tracheostomy care and suctioning at home
Bookings are not open yet. This information supports planning; it is not medical advice. Follow the care plan agreed with the treating team.
Not an emergency service. In an emergency, call Rescue 1122
- Typical duration
- about 1.5 hours
- Doctor’s order
- Needs a doctor’s order
- Training requirement
- PNMC Registered Nurse with proof of training
What the nurse does
A specially skilled nurse cares for an existing tracheostomy and suctions secretions when indicated.
- Check breathing, the tracheostomy site and equipment
- Clean the site and change dressing or ties as ordered
- Suction when indicated and escalate breathing difficulty immediately
Preparation to discuss
Confirm the supplies, quantities and equipment with the treating clinician or an appropriately trained nurse for the patient’s care plan before arranging care.
- Confirm the current prescription or doctor’s order before ordered care.
- Family-only supplies: Working suction machine with tubing
- Agree the visit time, access arrangements, main contact and handover.
Supplies and equipment
Catalogue supplies to confirm
Confirm the supplies, quantities and equipment with the treating clinician or an appropriately trained nurse for the patient’s care plan before arranging care.
Catalogue quantities and package sizes are stock estimates, not doses or instructions for dilution, flushing or device selection. Use only the items and amounts confirmed for the patient’s prescribed care plan.
- Sterile suction catheter (10–14 Fr) — Catalogue quantity or pack size: 4 pieces; List status: Listed; Who provides it: Family, or the nurse if you agree
- Sterile keyhole tracheostomy dressing — Catalogue quantity or pack size: 2 pieces; List status: Listed; Who provides it: Family, or the nurse if you agree
- Tracheostomy tube tie or holder — Catalogue quantity or pack size: 1 piece; List status: Listed; Who provides it: Family, or the nurse if you agree
- Normal saline 0.9% ampoules for instillation — Catalogue quantity or pack size: 5 ampoules; List status: Listed; Who provides it: Family, or the nurse if you agree
- Distilled water for rinsing tubing — Catalogue quantity or pack size: 500 ml; List status: Listed; Who provides it: Family, or the nurse if you agree
- Sterile surgical gloves — Catalogue quantity or pack size: 2 pairs; List status: Listed; Who provides it: Family, or the nurse if you agree
- Surgical face mask — Catalogue quantity or pack size: 2 pieces; List status: Listed; Who provides it: Family, or the nurse if you agree
- Disposable apron — Catalogue quantity or pack size: 1 piece; List status: Listed; Who provides it: Family, or the nurse if you agree
- Face shield or eye protection — Catalogue quantity or pack size: 1 piece; List status: If needed; Who provides it: Family, or the nurse if you agree
- Clinical waste disposal bag — Catalogue quantity or pack size: 2 bags; List status: Listed; Who provides it: Family, or the nurse if you agree
- Working suction machine with tubing — Catalogue quantity or pack size: 1 machine at home; List status: Listed; Who provides it: The family
Equipment to confirm
- Pulse oximeter — The nurse; List status: Listed
- Watch or phone timer with seconds — The nurse; List status: Listed
Questions to confirm
- Which tasks are in the treating team’s care plan?
- Who will arrange the supplies and equipment?
- What is included in the written quote?
- What are the agreed visit time, contact and handover arrangements?
Set by the nurse; agreed before booking. Ask for a written quote covering visit time, travel and supplies.
Source: the maintained Nurse at Home service catalogue. https://nurseathome.pk/services/tracheostomy-care
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