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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:
- Applying life-sustaining technology to critically ill patients of all ages in emergency rooms and intensive care units
- 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
- Treating hospitalized patients with medications and therapeutic techniques as ordered by the physician
- Assisting Anesthetists in the operating room
- Following up the care of patients in the home care and primary care setting
- Participating in health care research
RTs also promote wellness in several ways, amongst them:
- Patient education programs (e.g.) asthma education and asthma camps for kids
- Chronic lung disease (COPD) Rehabilitation programs
- Smoking cessation and prevention programs