Delivering life-saving care through respiratory care

Chronic pulmonary disease is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Fortunately, there are approximately 100,000 respiratory therapists in the United States today working with patients of all ages in many different care settings delivering life-saving care.

National Respiratory Care Week is October 25th through the 31st and recognizes respiratory therapists and the importance of their work. Sponsored by the American Association for Respiratory Care, the theme for this year’s National Respiratory Care Awareness Week is “Respiratory Care, There When You Need Us.“ This theme focuses on the fact that respiratory therapists are available in a wide variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, intensive care units, emergency rooms, operating rooms, patients’ homes, sleep laboratories and nursing facilities.

Respiratory therapists work to evaluate, treat and care for patients recovering from a wide range of medical conditions such as chronic lung problems like asthma, bronchitis and emphysema as well as accident victims, premature infants and people who have cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, AIDS or have had a heart attack.

Marion County Medical Center is one of only an estimated 5,700 hospitals in the United States who boast a separate respiratory care department. Their respiratory care team helps diagnose, treat, manage, control, rehabilitate and provide preventative care for patients with respiratory problems. In honor of National Respiratory Care Week, Marion Regional Medical Center would like to recognize the individuals on our team and their commitment to delivering the best care to their patients.

Vital Stats is a weekly health column provided by the doctors and staff of Marion Regional Healthcare System.