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on their own. RTs may also be included on rapid-response teams in hospitals where they respond to gravely ill patients before they stop breathing or have a heart attack. In every case, RTs look at the patient’s history, conduct an assessment, and provide treatment. They will then check to make sure the treatment is having the desired effect and make notes in the patient’s chart. Scan here for a video that shows what a respi- ratory thera- pist does:

Educational Video

RTs also work in outpatient clinics, where they provide long-term case management for patients with chronic breath- ing problems. These problems can be caused by disease or other chronic conditions, such as asthma or COPD. RTs also work on the medical team treating patients with cancer or other diseases where the patient’s ability to breathe might be compromised. Long-term case management is not as fast-paced as rapid- response care, but it allows RTs to develop relationships with their patients that are not possible during emergency situa- tions. The process is the same for long-term case management, but rather than happening in a short cycle, it happens in longer cycles. For instance, in long-term case management, the goals of care may change over time and with the patient’s improve- ment. As a result, the RT will assess and treat a patient, then reassess, set new goals for the patient’s progress, and continue treating the patient. In acute care, the ultimate goal is always

What Do Respiratory Therapists Do? 13