Therapists provide life-support for premature infants.
Therapists give medical gases and aerosol medications.
They assure airway and bronchopulmonary hygiene, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and are responsible for life-support systems. Therapists assess patients and perform diagnostic procedures that include measuring cardiopulmonary volumes, pressures, electrocardiograms, and arterial blood gases. An increasing number of therapists continue care in patient homes or skilled nursing facilities, provide cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and educate patients. Some therapists concentrate on pediatrics, transportation of critically ill patients, or cardiopulmonary diagnostic testing. The advanced therapist also assists physicians with special procedures, develops the plan of respiratory care, and evaluates the results of care.