Meet the Members of Your Health Care Team: Respiratory Therapy Edition

 By Lisa McPhee, Open Arms Content Writer | October 23, 2023

selective focus photography of anatomy lungs

When we think of healthcare heroes, doctors and nurses often come to mind. However, there’s a crucial profession that plays a silent yet indispensable role in our healthcare system – Respiratory Therapy. In Canada, these unsung heroes work tirelessly to ensure that individuals with breathing difficulties can breathe easier and lead healthier lives. This article is timely in its nature as it’s Respiratory Therapy Week in Canada. Celebrated from October 22 – 28, 2023. In this article we’ll delve into the world of Respiratory Therapy, exploring what it entails, the role of Respiratory Therapists and the impact they have of the healthcare landscape in Canada.

Respiratory Therapists (RT’s) are the dedicated professionals who provide care, education, and treatment to patients to optimize their lung health.

What is Respiratory Therapy?

In simple terms, Respiratory Therapy is a specialized healthcare profession that focuses on helping people with breathing disorders. This can include individuals living with chronic conditions like asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), or those that require assistance with mechanical ventilation. Respiratory Therapists (RT’s) are the dedicated professionals who provide care, education, and treatment to patients to optimize their lung health.

Education and Training

To become a Respiratory Therapist in Canada, one must complete a recognized respiratory therapy program, typically a three-year diploma or a four-year bachelor’s degree. These programs equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat various respiratory conditions. After completing their education, aspiring RT’s must also pass a national certification exam to legally practice in Canada.

Roles and Responsibilities

RT’s are crucial members of the healthcare team. Their diverse roles include:

  • Assessments: Respiratory Therapists evaluate patients’ lung function by completing a thorough patient assessment, interviewing the patient regarding their previous medical history, conducting breathing tests (spirometry), and performing arterial blood gas procurement and analysis. After the assessment is complete, they determine what kind of respiratory treatments would best help the patient.
  • Treatment: RT’s administer treatments such as oxygen therapy, aerosolized medications, and different types of mechanical ventilation if required.
  • Education: Respiratory Therapists educate patients on respiratory conditions, effective disease management, and correct technique on how to use inhalers and other devices correctly. Often, you will also find an RT assisting and educating other healthcare professionals when needed.
  • Emergency Response: In critical situations, RT’s are amongst the first responders in the hospital, providing life-saving care during emergencies like cardiac arrest or trauma.
  • Rehabilitation: They assist in pulmonary rehabilitation programs helping patients regain their lung function through exercise and therapy.
  • Sleep Medicine: RT’s play a vital role in sleep medicine, diagnosing and treating sleep disorders like sleep apnea.

In critical situations, RT’s are amongst the first responders in the hospital, providing life-saving care during emergencies like cardiac arrest or trauma.

Respiratory Therapists have a profound impact on the Canadian healthcare system in the following ways:

  • Reducing Hospital Readmissions: Their expertise in respiratory care helps prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions, ultimately saving healthcare costs.
  • Improved Quality of Life: RTs empower patients to manage their respiratory conditions effectively, leading to improved quality of life.
  • Emergency Care: In emergencies, their quick response and intervention can often be the difference between life or death.
  • Public Health: They contribute to public health initiatives by promoting smoking cessation and raising awareness about respiratory health.
  • Research and Development: RTs are at the forefront of respiratory research, constantly working to improve treatments and therapies.

Respiratory Therapy is a vital profession in Canada that often goes unnoticed. RTs play a crucial role in the healthcare system, ensuring that individuals with respiratory conditions can breathe easier and live healthier lives. Their training, education and dedication make them indispensable healthcare heroes, working diligently to improve the lung health of Canadians. As we continue to navigate the complexities of healthcare, let’s not forget to appreciate and acknowledge the invaluable contribution of Respiratory Therapists in keeping our nation breathing freely.

 

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