The profession of Respiratory Therapy is a field involved in working in all areas of the hospital with patients of all ages with heart and lung disorders. They are members of the health care team that are a vital part of responding to patient emergencies. Respiratory Therapists work to evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing illnesses, whether they are acute or chronic.
The Respiratory Therapy department at CHI St Alexius Health is staffed by all Registered Respiratory Therapists 24/7 who are committed to delivering appropriate, cost effective therapy to patients of all ages with heart and lung disorders. Respiratory Therapists staff Pulmonary Function Lab, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Sleep Center and ECG from 2:00 pm to 6:00 am.
Respiratory Therapy Driven protocols, which are physician ordered, allow the therapists to initiate, adjusted and discontinued care based on clinical indication. CHI St Alexius Health Respiratory Therapists deliver all aspects of Respiratory Therapy including administering aerosolized medication, bronchial hygiene, capnography, volume expansion therapy, oxygen therapy, diagnostic testing (PFT, ABG, EKG), mechanical ventilation and Patient and family education and respond to all patient emergencies. We are an integral part of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Team Members
The profession of Respiratory Therapy involves working in many areas of the hospital treating patients of all ages with heart and lung disorders. Respiratory Therapists at CHI St Alexius Health are either certified or registered by the National Board of Respiratory Care and serve as an integral part of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Aspects of Respiratory Care (floor therapy) include the following:
1. Administration of aerosolized medication
- bronchodilators
- antiviral
- antibiotics
- Narcotics
- corticosteriods
- mucolytics
- antiprotozoal
2. Bronchial Hygiene
- postural drainage and percussion
- endotracheal/nasotracheal suctioning
- aerosol and humidity
- flutter valve therapy
- thAIRapy vest
3. Volume Expansion Therapy
- Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing
- Incentive Spirometry (IS) or (IH)
- Deep breathing and cough
4. Oxygen Therapy
- Nasal cannula
- Aerosol
- Oxygen masks
5. Diagnostics
- electrocardiogram
- pulmonary function test (Spirometry)
- arterial blood gas puncture and analysis
- oximetry
- peak flows
- modified pulmonary stress test
- sputum induction
6. Patient and Family Education
7. Mechanical Ventilation
- Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation (BiPap/CPAP)
- Invasive Mechanical Ventilation
8. Transport
- Intra hospital
- Helipad