Respiratory therapists are trained healthcare professionals that evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders

Many people have trouble breathing, whether they have asthma or are recovering from surgery. Respiratory therapists are the people who treat those who need help breathing. Respiratory therapists treat all types of patients, they care for infants whose lungs are not fully developed, and more often they care for elderly people whose lungs are diseased. In some cases, they give care during patient emergencies.

Respiratory therapists are healthcare professionals who assist physicians with the diagnosis and treatment of lung disorders. Their duties include:

• Maintaining an open airway for trauma, intensive care, and surgery patients
• Assisting in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and support
• Providing life support, under medical supervision, for patients who can\'t breathe on their ownAssisting anaesthesiologists in the recovery room
• Administering inhaled drugs and medical gases
• Conducting tests to measure lung function
• Teaching people to manage with their lung disease (pulmonary rehabilitation)
• Providing home respiratory care to adults and children with chronic lung disease

The Respiratory Therapist needs good judgement

Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals. You\'ll find them in neonatal nurseries, operating rooms, intensive care units, general wards, sleep laboratories and emergency departments. Respiratory therapists also work in the community, bringing their expertise to:

• Home care
• Asthma, emphysema, cystic fibrosis and other clinics
• Rehabilitation centres
• Diagnostic clinics
• Sleep laboratories
• Medical equipment sales and service