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Helping you breathe better.

Respiratory Care is the health care discipline that specializes in the promotion of optimum cardiopulmonary function and health. This specialty is a life supporting, life enhancing health care service practiced under qualified medical direction. It applies scientific principles to prevent and treat acute or chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system. Respiratory care is specifically focused on the assessment, treatment, management, control, diagnostic evaluation, education, and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system as well as on the prevention of the development of these deficiencies. The department/service offers respiratory care 24 hours a day to inpatients and outpatients of all ages.

Respiratory Care Team includes:

• Unit Director
• Physician Director
• Administrative/Technical Director
• 27 Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioners
• Certified Pulmonary Function Technician
• Critical Care Coordinators (focusing on neonatal, pediatric, and adult care)
• Sleep Lab Coordinator

What is a Respiratory Therapist (RT)?

A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a trained and highly skilled professional working under your doctor's direction to care for your lungs. RTs spend an intense 2 - 4 years in college to learn their profession, and the training is hands-on from day one. While in school and clinical training, RTs study the cardiopulmonary system and learn skills to help your doctor diagnose respiratory conditions. They learn how to administer pulmonary function tests, perform electrocardiograms and draw blood for blood gas monitoring, perform sleep study evaluations, understand leading edge, life-saving technology and much more. RTs care for those with asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiolitis, obstructive sleep apnea, lung injury, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, just to name a few.

What can I expect in Respiratory Care?

It depends on what kind of breathing problem you have, but mostly your RT will measure your lung capacity and collect blood samples to determine how healthy your lungs are and what possible treatments you may need. If your doctor diagnoses a respiratory problem, you may begin treatment specifically designed for your individual needs. This treatment might include inhalers and medications, breathing techniques, and exercises to keep your lungs healthy. It may also include a plan to assist you managing your condition better, keeping your lungs healthy.

Services Offered:

• Asthma Care
• Camp Wonderkids - Summer camp for children with asthma
• Cardiac Arrest Care
• Neonatal Care
• Pulmonary Disease Care (Acute or Chronic)
• Trauma Care (Acute or Chronic)
• Ventilation Support

Quit Smoking -- Breath Easier:

Quitting smoking can be a difficult process, but it can be done. More than 3 million Americans quit each year.

For assistance in the quitting process, visit:

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit/canquit.htm
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/tobacco/consquits.htm
http://www.quitandwinky.com/
http://www.americanlegacy.org/greatstart/html
http://www.whyquit.com/
http://www.lungusa.org
http://www.quitnet.com/
http://www.smokefreefamilies.org/
http://www.chewfree.com/
http://www.kycancerprogram.org/

Respiratory Resources:

To learn more about respiratory health look under "Search Health Topics" under the "Your Health" tab located in the center of the page. Respiratory terms are also available by going to the Respiratory Glossary Page.

The American Association for Respiratory Care offers resources at

http://www.aarc.org/
http://www.yourlunghealth.org/

The American Lung Association offers resources at

http://www.lungusa.org