Saving Lives: Scoop, Suction, Sump...Saving Lives

Designed by veteran firefighter and paramedic Jeff Rehman, the S3 (Scoop, Suction, Sump) is an advancement for paramedics, EMTs, and first responders who must clear and maintain the airway of injured or unconscious persons.

The S3 Oropharyngeal Evacuation Tool performs the same function as existing suction tips, however, it is capable of much more. It can be used to mechanically scoop larger obstructions from the airway and used hands free as a sump when copious fluids obscure vision during intubation.

SCOOP
The unique spoon-shaped tip of the S3 allows a medic to quickly scoop or clear away pieces of vomit or obstructions that are too large for a standard suction tip. The S3 enables the user to keep fingers out of harms way. The S3 is the first and only tool designed to mechanically remove material that cannot be suctioned or retrieved by forceps from the upper airway.

SUCTION
The S3 also works like a traditional suction tip. The S3 acts as a large bore suction tip with an inner diameter much larger than the traditional suction tip lumen. Suction is controlled at the thumb port with the thumb or by positioning the convenient slider over the thumb port for constant suction.

SUMP
During intubation, the S3 can be used in a “sump mode” to keep fluids or vomit out of the airway. With the slider in the constant suction position the S3 can be briefly placed in the deep oropharynx to suction, freeing both hands to manage intubation. An integrated stylet is built into the S3 which allows the S3 to flex and maintain an angle or shape that might assist the medic in clearing the airway.

 Read the full story about the idea for the device as featured in the Denver Post by clicking here.