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CSRT News
February 2010
Keeping members current on issues that matter

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Complimentary CSRT Webinar - March 18th, 2010 - 12:00 to 13:00 EST
Risk Management and Malpractice Trends for Respiratory Therapists
The need for malpractice protection has never been greater for healthcare professionals such as respiratory therapists. A liability claim can be financially devastating without adequate insurance to protect the professional involved. Even a false or frivolous allegation can result in extensive defence costs.
Learning Objectives :
- Malpractice insurance policy dynamics
- Legal process for claims and malpractice allegations involving healthcare professionals
- Risk Management
- What to do in the event of a claim
- Litigation trends
Presenter: Brian Gomes, Vice President with Aon Reed Stenhouse and leader of Aon's regional healthcare practice. Click here for details and to register on line http://www.csrt.com/en/education/online_webinars.asp
CSRT Membership – Win a Wii!
Renew your membership or join the CSRT by March 30th and you will be eligible to win a Wii Deluxe Bundle.
Membership details can be found at http://www.csrt.com/en/membership/current_members.asp
CSRT Education Conference and Trade Show May 13-16, 2010, St. John’s NL
The Education Conference and Trade Show preliminary program is now available at : http://www.csrt.com/en/events/trade_show.asp
Register for the annual Education Conference and Trade Show by April 15, 2010, and have your name entered for a draw for a Play Station 3 Blu-ray. CSRT members can register online or fax in a registration form at: http://www.csrt.com/en/events/trade_show.asp
The CSRT has secured a block of rooms for $185.00 per night at The Delta St. John’s Hotel, in St. John’s NL.
There are a limited number of rooms available – please call 1-888-793-3582.
See you on The Rock!
New Web-Based Teaching Tool for RTs
The University of Toronto has developed a complimentary web-based educational teaching tool reviewing lung anatomy and bronscopy. The user can navigate the tracheo-bronchial tree using real-time video by clicking on the lighted directional arrows. Clicking on the labels on the “Bronchoscopic view” gives details of the anatomy seen. The process is aided by the “Bronchial Tree Navigational Map” which shows the simultaneous location of the bronchoscope as the orange line in the airway. The user has the option of taking an anonymous bronchial anatomy quiz before using the simulator. Visit www.thoracicanesthesia.com. The CSRT offers a variety of free on-line educational tools at http://www.csrt.com/en/education/PD_online_courses.asp
Major Funding Available for Research in Patient Safety in Home Care
The Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) has announced that major funding will be available for researchers to study patient safety in home care. Up to $1.1 million is being provided by CPSI and other sponsoring organizations – including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Health Services and Policy Research (IHSPR), Institute of Aging (IA), and Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (ICRH); The Change Foundation; and the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation (CHSRF) – to help identify the scope and magnitude of the patient safety challenge in home care. For information and application form go to: http://www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca/English/research/Pages/currentCompetitions.aspx
RT Saves Life at 35,000 Feet
Frank Fiorenza wasn't supposed to be on that airplane earlier this month, but when officials at U.S. Airways in Fort Meyers, Fla. told him he could head back to Ottawa two hours ahead of schedule, he jumped at the chance. Ninety minutes after takeoff, the 32-year-old registered respiratory therapist heard a calm voice on the in-flight address system seeking anyone with medical experience. "You know how sometimes when you're flying and someone comes on and says something, you don't always pay attention?" Fiorenza said "It was kind of like that at first." Fiorenza wasn't sure he would qualify. A second more urgent announcement changed his mind. "I jumped over the three people sitting near me and started making my way up there." At the front of the plane Fiorenza saw an elderly man laying in the aisle. He wasn't breathing. Fiorenza and a female passenger, who is a registered nurse, started CPR. Fiorenza was surprised to find the on-board defibrillator machine wasn't working properly. He and the nurse had to use other equipment to create an oral airway and used a resuscitation bag to keep forcing air into the man's lungs. The 250 passengers, including the elderly man's wife, stayed calm as the pilot landed at a military airport in Charleston, North Carolina, where they were met by paramedics. An hour later, he was back in the air. "The pilot told everyone what had happened and how we had saved the man's life, that he was in hospital, in critical condition and expected to survive," said Fiorenza. "Everyone started applauding and cheering.” Fiorenza was in Florida for a conference as part of his job as an educator and salesperson for Trudell Medical Marketing. "I've done CPR hundreds of times," said Fiorenza. "But this was the first time I've ever done it on a plane."
CSRT Past-President Jim Winnick Retires
Members who have been with the CSRT for a certain number of years will recognize the name Jim Winnick. Jim has retired from the Calgary Health Region. He served as President of the CSRT from 2003 – 2004 and has been a member of the CSRT since 1974. Between travelling and walking the dog, Jim also hopes to put in a few rounds of golf. The CSRT congratulates Jim on a successful career and wishes him a happy and healthy retirement!

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