Respiratory Therapy

Riverview Hospital has a department of approximately 32 employees who work with physicians and nursing staff to provide quality respiratory care services to our patients. Respiratory therapists (RTs) work with patients of all ages from newborn to geriatric. Respiratory Therapists are first responders who provide emergency medical care to people with lung injuries from fires and other disasters, heart disease, and lung disease. RTs also draw arterial blood gas samples and perform EKG.

A day in the life on a RT might include:

• Analyzing breath, tissue and blood specimens to determine levels of oxygen and other gasses.
• Managing therapy to help patients recover lung function.
• Monitoring and maintaining mechanical ventilation and artificial airway devices for patients who can't breathe normally on their own.
• Conducting smoking cessation classes for patients and the community.

Other Departments under Respiratory Therapy include:

Riverview Sleep/Wake Disorder Center

The Sleep/Wake Disorder Center has a staff of 5 RTs who also have training in Sleep Medicine. The Center also has a department secretary and is under the supervision of a Pulmonolgist and Neurologist who specialize in Sleep Medicine. The Center treasts patients who have disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insominia, REM behavior disorders and restless leg syndrome.

Pulmonary Function Lab

The PFT has a staff of 2 RTs who specialize in diagnostic testing of lung function, lung capacity, lung volume, and pulmonary disease management.

EEG Lab

The EEG Lab has a staff of 2 RTs who specialize in diagnostic testing of neurology disorders. All members of the Resipratory Therapy staff are credentialed or registered by the National Board of Respiratory Care and are licensed by the State of Indiana. The Sleep Lab staff also is registered by the National Board of Polysomnographers. The department recently received recognition from the American Association for Respiratory Care for Providing quality respiratory care to our patients and community.