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Respiratory Therapists: An important resource for the management of H1N1 pandemic

Ottawa, July 6, 2009 - Responding to recent news articles reporting on federal and provincial public health agencies stocking up on ventilators, and the concern about the small number of intensive care nurses available, the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists advises that respiratory therapists (RTs) will be on hand to manage and operate the additional ventilators.

Respiratory therapists are key front line health care providers in any respiratory care crisis and their knowledge and expertise are essential to managing the current H1N1 pandemic. They have specific expertise on the management and operation of all types of ventilators and provide medical attention to individuals suffering respiratory distress in a variety of healthcare settings. They are knowledgeable professionals who can educate the public and other health care providers on appropriate measures to be taken during an influenza pandemic.

Nursing, physicians and other members of the critical care team in tertiary health settings will be looking to respiratory therapists for their expertise and leadership in the management of patients who require ventilators. Respiratory therapists across Canada are currently working on pandemic preparedness within each jurisdiction to ensure there are enough ventilators and proper protocols in place to deal with any escalation in the current H1N1 pandemic situation.

“Registered respiratory therapists have the knowledge, the skills and the judgement to provide safe respiratory care according to best practices, and within established standards of practice. As a result, employers have the benefit of a workforce that follows established risk management guidelines and that provides services within defined scope and standards of practice and the CSRT code of ethics” stated Mr. Daniel McPhee, President of the CSRT.

About the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT)
The Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists provides national leadership through advocacy, service and unity to respiratory therapists in Canada. Established in 1964, the CSRT is the national professional association that represents over 2500 respiratory therapists across Canada and promotes exemplary standards of practice, conduct and performance in the provision of respiratory care.

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For more information, please contact: Rita Hansen, Manager of Communications, The Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists, 102 - 1785 Alta Vista Dr, Ottawa, ON K1G 3Y6 - Tel.: (613) 731-3164 ext. 223.