The department of Respiratory Care Services offers assistance in pulmonary
health care in the areas of prevention, diagnosis and management of patients
with cardiopulmonary problems. Respiratory Care Practitioners work in the department
as members of the health care team in a wide variety of areas: in the medical-surgical
units, the Burn Center, all intensive care units, pulmonary laboratory, blood
gas/electrolyte analysis, bronchoscopy assists, cardiopulmonary resuscitation,
patient discharge planning, patient/family instruction for home care; and transports.
Respiratory Care Services offers a complete line of respiratory care modalities:
oxygen therapy, aerosol and humidity therapy; bronchial hygiene; transcutaneous
and end-tidal CO2 monitoring; blood gas analysis; infant, pediatric and high
frequency mechanical ventilation.
RCS personnel are available in all areas of the hospital 24 hours a day. Intensive
care units have assigned personnel each shift. The department works under medical
staff orders and under direction of medical directors.