Respiratory Therapists, an Important Resource for the Management of H1N1 Flu Pandemic

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Jul 07 (MARKET WIRE) --
Responding to recent news articles reporting on federal and provincial
public health agencies stocking up on ventilators, and the concern about
the small number of intensive care nurses available, the Canadian Society
of Respiratory Therapists advises that respiratory therapists (RTs) will
be on hand to manage and operate the additional ventilators.

Respiratory therapists are key front line health care providers in any
respiratory care crisis and their knowledge and expertise are essential
to managing the current H1N1 pandemic. They have specific expertise on
the management and operation of all types of ventilators and provide
medical attention to individuals suffering respiratory distress in a
variety of healthcare settings. They are knowledgeable professionals who
can educate the public and other health care providers on appropriate
measures to be taken during an influenza pandemic.

Nursing, physicians and other members of the critical care team in
tertiary health settings will be looking to respiratory therapists for
their expertise and leadership in the management of patients who require
ventilators. Respiratory therapists across Canada are currently working
on pandemic preparedness within each jurisdiction to ensure there are
enough ventilators and proper protocols in place to deal with any
escalation in the current H1N1 pandemic situation.

"Registered respiratory therapists have the knowledge, the skills and the
judgement to provide safe respiratory care according to best practices,
and within established standards of practice. As a result, employers have
the benefit of a workforce that follows established risk management
guidelines and that provides services within defined scope and standards
of practice and the CSRT code of ethics" stated Mr. Daniel McPhee,
President of the CSRT.

About the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT)

The Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists provides national
leadership through advocacy, service and unity to respiratory therapists
in Canada. Established in 1964, the CSRT is the national professional
association that represents over 2500 respiratory therapists across
Canada and promotes exemplary standards of practice, conduct and
performance in the provision of respiratory care.

Contacts:
Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists
Rita Hansen
Manager of Communications
613-731-3164 ext. 223
rhansen@csrt.com

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