LSUX: Rethinking airway suction in emergency care

A battery-powered suction unit is one of the essential tools in emergency medical services (EMS), playing a critical role in stabilising a patient’s airway during emergency situations. Although suction units are standard equipment in ambulances worldwide, their design has remained largely unchanged for decades—despite the evolving demands of EMS professionals. In close collaboration with users, stakeholders, and my collaboration partner Laerdal Medical AS, I reimagined both the device and the entire suctioning workflow as a seamless, integrated user experience. A re-engineered suction pump enabled a radically improved product architecture, resulting in a handheld, ultra-portable unit. The greatest environmental impact during use comes from single-use fluid collection components. I developed a compact suction cartridge that combines all disposable parts into one unit. It is easier to handle, reduces preparation time, improves hygiene, and cuts plastic consumption by 50%.