The primary job of a respiratory therapist is to look after patients who have problems breathing. They will often be in charge of respiratory therapy technicians and have the responsibility of assessing and conducting any medical procedures which are deemed appropriate.
The therapist is also responsible for making sure that patient records are accurate and kept up to date and that any equipment and machines are fully operational, including aerosol generators, environmental control systems, gas administrators and mechanical ventilators.
A respiratory therapist is also trained to administer emergency treatments such as cardiac massage and artificial respiration. The position requires someone who is willing to act as part of a team as the therapist will work closely with other health-care professionals such as nurses and physicians.
Therapists should be good communicators as part of their job is to work closely with patients and their families, teaching breathing exercises and explaining how certain medications work. They will also often be required to train and supervise assistants and students. A therapist can expect to earn around C
$60,000 per year.