In 1982, nearly 40 years after the first group of Respiratory Therapists (now known as Respiratory Therapists) began their work, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation dedicating National Respiratory Care Week. Today Respiratory Care Week takes place in the last full week of October.
Caring for a President
How did respiratory therapists get on President Reagan's radar? Unfortunately, in 1981, President Reagan was shot and rushed to George Washington University Hospital where he underwent surgery on his left lung for a gunshot wound. Among other health care workers, respiratory therapists were instrumental in his recovery. A year later he declared Respiratory Care Week and Respiratory leaders were invited to the signing at the White House.
What is Respiratory Care?
Respiratory care is the branch of health care that specializes in promoting optimal cardiopulmonary function, health and wellness. Respiratory therapists diagnose, manage, and work to control diseases that affect the lungs. They can branch into many areas within our field, from airway management, intubations, breathing therapies, excretory management, pulmonary hygiene, etc., to outpatient care including home oxygen, home continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and Biplane Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) setup and management, as well as sleep disorders. Respiratory care also extends to long-term care facilities for airway management, weaning and tracheostomy care.
Visibility and accountability
Respiratory Care Week is a great opportunity to let our community know more about who we are and what we do for our Veterans. Respiratory therapy is not a well-known or well-understood profession, and unless you work in a hospital or have ever needed a respiratory therapist, people usually haven't heard of it. A respiratory professional has a minimum of an applied science degree in respiratory care, but can also earn a bachelor's degree or even a master's degree. The therapist must also sit for certification and registration exams and once passed, the therapist will then hold the title of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and most states also require the RRT to apply for state licensure.
Respiratory therapists played a critical role during the pandemic and continue to do so around the world. There are currently over 131,000 respiratory therapists employed in the United States alone. This week is a great time to celebrate our respiratory therapists, raise awareness of our profession and inspire growth in respiratory care.
