Explain to your child what you will do, then set up what you need in a clean well-lighted space near a sink. Gather the following: clean disposable powder-less gloves, the suction machine, tubing, and catheters. You may also have an additional pre-marked catheter to help guide insertion depth, sterile saline solution, a sterile or clean cup, tissues, and a small towel for the child's neck. Be sure to also have a resuscitation bag in case of emergency. Wash your hands with liquid soap and water, dry them well. You may also use alcohol or disinfectant foam. Put on gloves. Attach the catheter to the suction machine. Do not touch the end that will go into the trach tube. Turn on the suction machine to between 50 millimeters of mercury to 100 millimeters of mercury. Pour sterile saline solution into the cup. Suction a small amount of saline solution into the catheter. Insert the catheter gently into the child's trach tube only as far as you've been instructed. During insertion, keep your finger off the suction valve. Once the catheter is inserted, apply suction by covering and uncovering the suction valve. Keep the catheter in place for no longer than five seconds at a time. Twirl the catheter as you remove it. To clear mucus from the catheter, suction saline solution into the catheter. Repeat steps six through nine until the trach tube is clear and makes no more rattling sounds. When you are finished, turn off the machine. Remove and throw away the gloves. Throw away the saline. Wash your hands with soap and water.