Get Going With Go-Bags

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Patients with tracheostomies are at risk for mucus plugging and accidental decannulation, thus requiring emergency suction and/or changing of the tracheostomy tube. These children are seen in many inpatient and outpatient areas of the hospital. The hospital implemented a standardized Go-Bag to ensure that patients with tracheostomies have the necessary emergency supplies with them at all times. We require the caregivers of patients with tracheostomy tubes to carry supplies that allow them to perform a tracheostomy tube change or suction should the child become distressed. We noticed caregivers carrying these supplies in plastic bags and having only some of the necessary supplies with them. Through a grant from the hospital, we were able to purchase bags and supplies. These Go-Bags are bright red so they are easily identified and highly visible. The bags have clear compartments that allow the supplies to be organized and easily visualized when needed. The Go-Bag remains at the bedside and is used for all out-of-unit transports. When the child is discharged, the Go-Bag is sent home with the caregiver to be kept with the child at all times. The caregivers and home nurses report positive feedback on the style, organization, and quality of the Go-Bags. With the adoption of the Go-Bags, we have seen increased compliance with caregivers using the Go-Bags on all social and medical adventures. The Go-Bags have improved care and safety for tracheostomy patients throughout the hospital. Patients with tracheostomies are at risk for mucus plugging and accidental decannulation, thus requiring emergency suction and/or changing of the tracheostomy tube. These children are seen in many inpatient and outpatient areas of the hospital. The hospital implemented a standardized Go-Bag to ensure that patients with tracheostomies have the necessary emergency supplies with them at all times. We require the caregivers of patients with tracheostomy tubes to carry supplies that allow them to perform a tracheostomy tube change or suction should the child become distressed. We noticed caregivers carrying these supplies in plastic bags and having only some of the necessary supplies with them. Through a grant from the hospital, we were able to purchase bags and supplies. These Go-Bags are bright red so they are easily identified and highly visible. The bags have clear compartments that allow the supplies to be organized and easily visualized when needed. The Go-Bag remains at the bedside and is used for all out-of-unit transports. When the child is discharged, the Go-Bag is sent home with the caregiver to be kept with the child at all times. The caregivers and home nurses report positive feedback on the style, organization, and quality of the Go-Bags. With the adoption of the Go-Bags, we have seen increased compliance with caregivers using the Go-Bags on all social and medical adventures. The Go-Bags have improved care and safety for tracheostomy patients throughout the hospital.