A tracheostomy, or trach, is a surgically created hole (stoma) in the windpipe (trachea). It provides another airway for breathing when your child can’t breathe normally through their nose and mouth. A tracheostomy tube is inserted through the stoma and held in place with a strap around the neck.

This video explains how trach’s work, how to care for your child’s trach, and what you can expect when your child has a trach.

Table of Contents:
Parts of a trach 01:19
Suctioning 02:45
Site care and tie change 04:42
Changing a trach 08:22
What to do in an emergency 15:53
Trach CPR 17:27
What we've learned 20:12