Our Respiratory Therapists will assess and treat you with both acute and chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system. Our respiratory therapists have demanding responsibilities related to our patient’s care and serve as vital members of the healthcare team.
Our Respiratory Therapists have a broad knowledge of the pathophysiology of the cardiopulmonary system and the complex procedures required to properly diagnose and treat patients, from the very young to the very old.
Duties & Responsibilities.
Our Respiratory Therapists not only treat, but are also required to diagnose lung disease and breathing disorders, recommending the most appropriate treatment methods for you. Including examining our patients, performing chest exams, and analyzing tissue specimens.
Along with having an extensive knowledge of the cardiopulmonary system, our Respiratory Therapists are experts with the machines and devices used to administer respiratory care treatments. This would involve managing patients on ventilators and artificial airway devices, and assessing the blood-oxygen level of each patients.
Our Respiratory Therapists will handle your breathing or airway problems that can stem from a wide variety of conditions and events. Which includes and not limited to:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Asthma
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome. This is a very serious condition that can happen after an injury or illness like COVID-19, which is caused by the new coronavirus.
- Bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Cystic fibrosis
- Spinal muscular dystrophy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Auto accidents or other trauma that prevents you from breathing on your own
- Babies who are born prematurely before their lungs are fully grown
- Sleep apnea
- Managing life support mechanical ventilation systems
- Administering aerosol-based medications
- Monitoring equipment related to cardiopulmonary therapy
- Analyzing blood samples to determine levels of oxygen and other gases
- Managing artificial airways
- Assessing lung capacity to determine impairment
- Analyzing chest x-rays and sputum specimens
- Assessing vital signs
- Performing tests and studies related to the cardiopulmonary system (e.g., examinations, stress tests, etc.)
- Performing studies related to the cardiopulmonary system
- Conducting rehabilitation activities
- Counseling individuals in cardiopulmonary health (e.g., asthma education, smoking cessation, etc.)
- Consulting with physicians and members of the medical team to recommend a change in therapy