As a respiratory therapy assistant, you will assist a primary respiratory therapist in treating patients and ensuring that they receive proper care. A person with extensive knowledge of respiratory therapy equipment and a compassionate nature is usually required for success in this field. In general, an individual will need to attend a technical school that focuses on respiratory health for at least one year. Observing the condition of patients, preparing equipment, cleaning equipment, maintaining patient records, and showing patients how to use equipment are all common responsibilities of a respiratory therapy assistant.
Observing the status of patients on a regular basis is an important part of this job. A respiratory therapy assistant should check each patient’s breathing on a regular basis to ensure stability and well-being. Because a primary respiratory therapist is often overworked, an assistant is responsible for ensuring that a patient’s equipment is properly connected and that the patient is comfortable. If a problem arises, it is the responsibility of an assistant to notify a supervisor right away. As a result, an assistant must have a thorough understanding of respiratory equipment and be able to recognize breathing problems in patients.
Another duty is to properly prepare respiratory equipment. A respiratory therapy assistant, for example, might set up a ventilator for a patient and control the amount of air flow. He may also need to test the equipment for proper operation to ensure safety. A respiratory therapy assistant must always exercise caution when working with equipment that contains gases or combustible materials.
In addition, the majority of respiratory equipment must be cleaned on a regular basis. Oxygen masks, for example, must be sterilized after each use with a different patient. In addition, an assistant may need to check the amount of oxygen in a tank before the next use to ensure there is enough.
A respiratory therapy assistant’s job entails keeping track of patients’ records. During a patient’s stay in a medical facility, an assistant is usually in charge of documenting all treatments and types of respiratory equipment. He’ll also include the results of any tests that are given. It’s critical to keep accurate records so that you can share them with other doctors and hospitals later.
In some cases, a person will also demonstrate how to use respiratory equipment to patients. This usually refers to patients who are about to leave a facility and return home. A respiratory therapy assistant’s job is to show patients how to control airflow, put on breathing masks, and handle equipment safely.