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Starting a Peak Performance USA Program
Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders, including asthma. Practicing under the direction of a physician, respiratory therapists assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedures.
Respiratory therapists evaluate and treat all types of patients, ranging from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to elderly people whose lungs are diseased. Respiratory therapists provide temporary relief to patients with chronic asthma or emphysema, and they give emergency care to patients who are victims of a heart attack, stroke, drowning, or shock.
A typical work day for a respiratory therapist might include:
- Educating students and families about lung disease, such as asthma so they can maximize their recovery.
- Diagnosing lung and breathing disorders and recommending treatment methods.
- Interviewing patients and doing chest physical exams to determine what kind of therapy is best for their condition.
- Consulting with physicians to recommend a change in therapy, based on the evaluation of the patient.
- Measuring breathing functions and blood specimens to determine levels of oxygen and other gases.
- Managing ventilators and artificial airway devices for patients who can’t breathe normally on their own.
- Responding to medical emergencies in the hospital or as part of a Rapid Response Team.
Respiratory Therapists work in a variety of care settings and specialties, including:
- Long-Term Care
- Neonatal-Pediatrics
- Surface & Air Transport
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Polysomnography
- Education
- Critical Care
- Case Management
- Home Care
- Pulmonary Diagnostics
- Management
Check out the following video for additional information about the profession of respiratory care.