Excerpts from Patients with Special Challenges for the Emergency Medical Responder

Feeding tubes are used in patients who cannot feed themselves or who cannot swallow. They may be used short-term during recovery from surgery or for chronic conditions. There are two types of tubes.

A nasogastric or NG tube is a long tube inserted through the nose into the stomach that can be used to deliver nutrients, while a gastrostomy tube or G tube is a feeding tube surgically implanted through the abdominal wall into the stomach.

Common problems associated with these tubes include dislodgement, infection at the site of insertion, and clogs that prevent nutrients from being provided to the patient.

During transportation,

• Secure tube to patient’s body with tape before transport.
• Keep nutrients higher than the tube.

Put a protective cap in place to prevent leakage.