During this week we celebrate the contributions of Respiratory Therapists. Respiratory Therapists are involved in the evaluation of the heart and lung function as well as providing breathing treatments. These therapists see all types of patients, from young children with RSV and asthma to older patients with pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People who have had heart attacks, suffered trauma, are born prematurely or have sleep disorders might also need respiratory therapy to help them breathe easier.
Respiratory Therapists work with different departments like Emergency Services, Rehab, and Pulmonology to compose a plan for each patient. Some of the jobs that respiratory therapists perform include:
•Maintaining equipment such as mechanical ventilators, BIPAP, and CPAP machines.
•Assisting in emergencies such as heart failure, heart attack, stroke, drowning, and shock.
•Maintaining natural and artificial airways in patients.
•Performing pulmonary function tests.
•Pulmonary Rehab, which provides education and exercise for patients with chronic lung disorders.