Who should attend

Support workers, disability and aged-care staff, ENs/RNs new to tracheostomy care, school/carer aides, and family carers who provide daily support to a person with a tracheostomy.

Entry requirements

• Basic literacy and spoken English.

• Current workplace or client scenario involving a tracheostomy (recommended).

• Existing First Aid/CPR helpful but not essential.

Course overview

Participants learn safe, person-centred tracheostomy care aligned to current clinical guidelines and manufacturer instructions for common tubes and equipment. The course blends theory with hands-on practice using simulation mannequins and real consumables.

You will learn to:

• Understand tracheostomy indications, parts, and tube types (cuffed/uncuffed, fenestrated, inner cannula).

• Maintain airway patency: humidification, hydration, and secretion management.

• Perform safe suctioning (open/closed systems) and recognise when NOT to suction.

• Complete routine care: stoma/skin care, dressing changes, tie changes, inner cannula care.

• Manage speaking valves, heat-moisture exchangers (HMEs), and oxygen therapy.

• Support communication and swallowing; reduce aspiration risk.

• Troubleshoot common problems: increased work of breathing, blocked/dislodged tubes, bleeding, granulation tissue, equipment alarms.

• Respond to deterioration and emergencies: partial/complete obstruction, accidental decannulation, respiratory distress—escalation and calling for help.

• Apply infection prevention and control (standard/contact precautions, PPE).

• Document care and handover effectively.

Course outline (modules)

1. Airway & Tracheostomy Basics – anatomy, indications, components, safety principles.

2. Infection Prevention – asepsis, PPE, cleaning and disposal.

3. Humidification & Oxygen – HMEs, nebulisers, circuits.

4. Suctioning – assessment, technique, catheter sizing, complications.

5. Routine Care – stoma and skin care, ties, dressings, inner cannula.

6. Communication & Swallowing – speaking valves, risk management.

7. Troubleshooting & Emergencies – obstruction, decannulation, escalation pathways.

8. Documentation & Handover – charts, care plans, equipment logs.

9. Practical Simulations – scenario-based drills and skills sign-off.

Duration & delivery

• Duration: 4–6 hours (customisable to client needs).

• Delivery: Face-to-face workshop or onsite at your service; blended options available for theory + in-person skills.

• Group size: Up to 12 per trainer for safe practice and assessment.

Assessment & certification

• Short knowledge check and direct observation of practical skills (checklists).

• Outcome: Statement of Attendance Tracheostomy Care and Support (non-accredited). Skills are mapped to workplace competency requirements and can be incorporated into individual care plans.

If you require accredited outcomes, talk to us—we can align content to your organisation’s competency framework and complete workplace-based sign-offs where appropriate.

What’s included

• Trainer with current clinical airway experience.

• Simulation equipment (mannequin head/neck, trach tubes, HMEs, speaking valves), suction setup, consumables.

• Learner workbook, quick-reference posters, and skills checklists for supervisors.

What to bring / prerequisites on the day

• Closed-toe shoes; short sleeves for hand hygiene.

• Your organisation’s tracheostomy policy/procedure (if available) and the client’s care plan so we can contextualise practice.

Customisation options

• Client-specific tube types and products (Portex, Shiley, Bivona, etc.).

• Paediatric vs adult considerations.

• Emergency decannulation drills consistent with your escalation pathway.

• Integration with PEG, ventilator, or suction policies.