Respiratory Therapists (RTs) comprise a unique paramedical profession. Working as vital members of the health care team, RTs provide a wide variety of therapeutic patient care, diagnostic, technical, educational, research, administrative and medical sales services.
RTs assist on the front lines in the fight against lung disease by:
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Applying life-sustaining technology to critically ill patients of all ages in emergency rooms and intensive care units; |
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Assisting physicians in the diagnosis of lung disease through lung function testing, invasive and non-invasive cardio-pulmonary monitoring techniques, and bronchosopic examination of the lungs by direct visualization |
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Treating hospitalized patients with medications and therapeutic techniques as ordered by the physician; |
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Assisting Anesthetists in the operating room; |
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Following up the care of patients in the home care and primary care setting |
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Participating in health care research. |
RTs also promote wellness in several ways, amongst them:
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Patient education programs (e.g.) asthma education and asthma camps for kids; |
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Chronic lung disease (COPD) Rehabilitation programs; |
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Smoking cessation and prevention programs. |
