GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Patients with gastrostomy tubes may have complications of obstruction or dislodgment. While these complications are not life-threatening, the patient may require non-emergency transport to the hospital. A dislodged tube needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
• Patients with gastrostomy tubes frequently have problems with regurgitation and/or aspiration. Transport patient with head elevated when possible. Be prepared to suction as necessary.

EMT/AEMT/Paramedic Standing Order:

• Be aware of and address any other possible problems from their underlying medical condition.
• Cover the site with a sterile dressing and control any bleeding with direct pressure.

• ASSESS AND MANAGE AIRWAY
  • PROBLEM WITH TUBE MAY BE RESULT OF REGURGITATION OR ASPIRATION
• MAINTAIN O2 SATS >95%
• EVALUATE PATIENT CONDITION
• CHECK TUBE FOR DISLODGEMENT
  • IF TUBE IS REMOVED DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPLACE THE TUBE
  • COVER SITE WITH STERILE DRESSING AND CONTROL BLEEDING WITH DIRECT PRESSURE
• MONITOR VITAL SIGNS
• REASSURE PATIENT
• TRANSPORT