Description:

The Laerdal Suction Unit (LSU) model 78002001 is a lightweight (8.9 lb), handheld airway suction pump that reaches more than 500 mmHg negative pressure and delivers free-air flow greater than 25 L min⁻¹. A five-position, one-hand-grip knob selects vacuum levels (80, 120, 200, 350, 500+ mmHg) while an LED bar-graph shows real-time pressure, battery status, and pediatric-safe ranges. The sealed IP34D chassis houses a 12 V, 2 Ah NiMH pack that powers up to 45 minutes of continuous use; automatic fast-charge restores 80 % capacity in three hours whenever the unit is docked on AC (100–240 V) or vehicle DC (12–28 V). A 1 qt disposable or reusable canister snaps into a “rib-cage” holder, and an integral device-test button verifies pump, battery, and alarms in under ten seconds.

Economic Advantage:

Compared with wall-tethered or manual suction, the LSU’s high vacuum and long battery life let a single device cover ambulance, ED hallway, and disaster cache duties—avoiding multiple capital purchases. Disposable canister options eliminate reprocessing costs, while the color-coded pediatric indicator reduces over-suction errors that can lengthen patient stays. Five-year chassis warranty, self-diagnostics, and tool-free battery replacement further cut lifetime service expenses for agencies and hospitals.