Respiratory care practitioners (RCPs) provide therapy to aid patients with breathing disorders improve their lung function. Respiratory care practitioners accomplish this by applying various types of equipment to administer oxygen and deliver aerosolized medications. To help patients with chronic lung disease, many RCPs are involved in rehabilitation activities. In addition, practitioners offer smoking cessation programs to halt the onset of pulmonary disease in people who use tobacco.

pulmonaryrehabilitation

continuous positive airway pressure

incentive spirometry

intermittent positive pressure breathing

Respiratory care practitioners also work as members of the critical care team in treating individuals who are seriously ill. This may include using equipment to mechanically breathe for the patient. With the assistance of sophisticated monitoring devices and techniques, the RCP gives around-the-clock care to patients who otherwise would not be able to survive life-threatening conditions.