Respiratory Therapists Week 2010

Ingrid Hakanson, RT from Vancouver General Hospital, created a movie, entitled "From Hospital to Home: A Patient's Perspective" which follows a fictional patient as she is admitted to the Emergency Department with a COPD exacerbation and follows her through being ventilated in ICU, the trach weaning process, transfer to ward and eventual discharge. It also outlines the some of the general responsibilities of hospital and community RTs. It's meant to show the diverse nature of our jobs and give an example of our new care management philosophy. Click here

From large urban centers to small rural clinics, RTs showed their pride in their profession and celebrated in style.

At The Michener Institute, in Toronto ON, the students and faculty raised $400 for the Ontario Lung Association through a bake sale, 50-50 draw, peak flow and pulse oximetry monitoring, and whipped-cream pies tossed at faculty and staff. Other activities included a dodge-ball game, a pandemic game and the ever-popular RT Olympics. The week was filled with fun, laughter and pride. Second-year respiratory therapy students at The Michener took part in the "Stethoscope Ceremony". The students were addressed by the Chair, Fiona Cherryman, the VP Academic Sylvia Schippke, the President-elect of the RTSO, Dr. Mika Nonoyama and the CRTO Professional Practice Advisor Jennifer Harrison. Students recited the Respiratory Therapy oath which is based on "The CSRT Code of Ethics" and "A Yale Physician's Oath" and had their stethoscope placed around their necks by members of the faculty. It's a very proud moment for the students and faculty.

A pig lung hooked up to a ventilator attracted lots of interest.

At Conestoga College, in Kitchener ON, first-year students researched a chosen discipline within the RT field and prepared a Poster Board. They took turns presenting their poster to fellow students and faculty. Second-year RT students researched a pathophysiology that RT's would have to help treat in the hospital setting and also took turns presenting their posters. Second year students voted for their favourite first year poster. The winner was the Transport Team - Emily Ward, Sara Abbs, Marilyn Williams and Nicole Toner. First year students voted for their favourite second year poster. The winner was TEF - John Savery and Samuel Idemilih. Faculty also had a Poster Board that promoted the profession.

First year students at Conestoga College


In Yellowknife, NWT, at Stanton Territorial Hospital, the only two RTs in the province also had a very successful RT Week. Mahen Manickum (left) and Deborah Leishman set up an information booth and even served cake!

In Edmonton, AB, there was a collaborative event in honour of Respiratory Therapy Week. Everyone joined together as a group of RTs to promote the profession and lung health. Covenant Health in conjunction with The Lung Association, Alberta & NWT, NAIT, Parkland Respiratory Care, Provincial Home Oxygen Inc., CANA, Edmonton Tobacco Reduction Network, a wide variety of respiratory related companies, the City of Edmonton, Millwoods Town Centre Mall, CARTA and CSRT contributed to hold a "Spirometry Day". RTs welcomed and educated a great number of people on respiratory health related issues. Over 100 spirometry testings were performed, with some of participants commenting that they heard about the event on the radio and had traveled out of their way in order to be tested. Local graduates from Pulmonary Rehab showed their support and perform a mall walk to the delight of all. One RT commented that in her 30 years of practice, this was the first time she has seen "such a diverse and comprehensive display of respiratory health organizations within the community joining together in a public event to promote Respiratory Health". Each of the Edmonton hospitals also held events throughout the week offering teaching sessions, fun events and activities along with lots of food. To top off the week, Mayor Stephen Mandel, proclaimed the week of October 24-30, 2010 as Respiratory Therapy Week in Edmonton.


Algonquin College students in Ottawa ON, set up information displays throughout the week to spread the word among other students and faculty.

At the Penticton Regional Hospital in BC, the respiratory team organized several activities to celebrate and promote Respiratory Therapy for both the public and hospital staff. “RTs in Action” was the theme. A photo display was set up, in the main lobby of the hospital. RTs in the department performed various activities highlighting the role of acute and community respiratory therapy. An article was submitted to two local newspapers describing life as respiratory therapist from the eyes of a new grad and recently registered therapist. The week ended with costumed RTs inviting hospital staff to a Halloween-themed open house, where refreshments were served and various educational stations set up throughout the department. It was a great success and the RT team did a great job of promoting respiratory therapy.