North Carolina EMT-Basic (EMT-B) State Practice Exam 2026 - Free EMT-B Practice Questions and Study Guide

The recommended duration of suctioning is based on the age of the patient due to physiological differences and the need to prevent complications like hypoxia and distress. For infants, the suctioning time should not exceed 5 seconds. For children, it is generally advised to limit suctioning to 10 seconds, and for adults, the maximum duration recommended is 15 seconds. This approach helps ensure that each age group has adequate time to recover and avoids prolonged airway obstruction.

By adhering to these time limits, practitioners aim to minimize oxygen deprivation, prevent trauma to the airway, and promote patient safety. Using tailored suctioning times for different age groups enhances patient care, reflecting the varying anatomical and physiological characteristics of infants, children, and adults.