Oral Suction Intervention to Reduce Aspiration and Ventilator Events: NO-ASPIRATE

Insertion of a breathing tube to enable treatment with mechanical ventilation (respirator) is often associated with complications, such as infection and lung injury. Leakage of secretions around the breathing tube (microaspiration) is a major factor leading to complications. The investigators propose that a standardized, enhanced oral suction protocol will be effective in reducing microaspiration and harms associated with mechanical ventilation. The investigators hypothesize that those randomized to the enhanced oral suction protocol will have less microaspiration and other ventilator-associated conditions than those in the usual care, standard suction group.