Respiratory Care Week is a national recognition that takes place the third week in October to thank and celebrate the over 130,000 exceptional individuals who comprise respiratory therapists (RTs) in the United States.
Created by President Ronald Reagan in 1982, the annual celebration continues with the American Association for Respiratory Care as its primary sponsor.
The week of October 22 ushers in a burst of activity by healthcare facilities and companies that provide RTs with respiratory swag, free lunches and treats, and appreciative shout-outs on social media.
While Respiratory Care Week serves to thank RTs and bring awareness to the profession, it’s also a reminder of the importance of early diagnosis, ongoing care, patient education, and treating pulmonary diseases and conditions.
For this reason, during Respiratory Care Week, respiratory therapists, their colleagues, and loved ones will participate in fundraisers and 5ks that raise money to assist current and future RTs and help find cures for pulmonary diseases and the brave patients who battle them.
Being unable to breathe is one of the most frightening situations a person can experience. In many instances, RTs pursue their career because of a loved one experiencing a respiratory emergency.
A caring clinician with specialized training in respiratory care provides comfort and relief, which makes all the difference!
Have you or a loved one ever:
Used a machine to assist your breathing?
Been prescribed home oxygen?
Completed a diagnostic lung test?
Been hospitalized for a critical illness?
Used a nebulizer for breathing treatments?
Received education on asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
Completed a pulmonary or cardiac rehab stint?
Had an infant in the NICU?
Completed a sleep study?
If you answered 'yes' to any of these, there's a good chance you encountered a respiratory therapist.
To help patients recover and stay healthy, RTs go through extensive training, including an accredited college or university program, challenging clinical simulations, shift rotations at medical facilities, and rigorous exams. You can learn more about an exciting career in respiratory care here!
Respiratory therapists are integral members of healthcare teams assisting in the critical care of patients in hospitals, emergency rooms, patient homes, durable medical equipment companies, clinics, and more.
RTs are proud to work alongside talented physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals to prioritize patient safety and provide unparalleled care.
To all the respiratory therapists that suit up in scrubs daily to help the world breathe better –thank you – YOU ARE AMAZING!!