Respiratory care is a healthcare occupation composed of practitioners who, under the direction of a physician, are trained to actively participate in the care of patients, especially the monitoring and treatment of the cardiopulmonary system. Respiratory care practitioners work with patients of all ages in all areas of the hospital and are qualified to perform intensive care, critical care and neonatal procedures. They serve an important role in the hospital's emergency lifesaving response team.

Respiratory care practitioners perform procedures that are diagnostic and therapeutic. They see patients with chronic lung problems such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, as well as heart attack and lung cancer patients, accident victims and premature infants.

Services for Patients

For most people, breathing is second nature. But for those who suffer from breathing problems caused by injury or illnesses such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, each breath can be a major accomplishment.

Central Baptist's respiratory care department offers inpatient and outpatient services to diagnose and treat breathing disorders and help you breathe easier. Staffed around the clock by registered and certified respiratory therapists and technicians, the department provides a broad range of services, including:

Clinical Services

• Mechanical ventilation,including conventional, non-invasive and high frequency;
• Continuous positive airway pressure;
• Airway management, including intubation;
• Delivery of aerosolized medications;
• Bronchopulmonary hygiene;
• Arterial blood gas sampling and analysis;
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
• Oxygen; and
• Patient education.

Diagnostic Services

• Complete pulmonary function testing;
• Metabolic testing;and
• Arterial blood gas sampling and analysis. The department's arterial blood gas laboratory is certifed by the American College of Pathology.

Outpatient Testing

Outpatient testing is performed in the respiratory care department from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Testing include pulmonary function, arterial blood gas analysis and home oxygen evaluations.

Smoking Cessation

For individuals who smoke and want to quit, Central Baptist Hospital offers Freedom from Smoking®. Developed by the American Lung Association, Freedom from Smoking includes an eight-week clinic followed by a six-week maintenance.

Health Information

Click here for more information about respiratory problems.

For more information about the respiratory care department, call (859) 260-6140.