A professional who administers respiratory therapy care and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of cardiopulmonary system, under supervision of physician and by prescription. Responsibilities include:

• Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment, such as type and duration of therapy, and medication and dosages.
• Determines most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modifications which may be needed that will be compatible with physician's orders.
• Sets up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.
• Operates equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment, such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature, and to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patients.
• Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
• Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assists patient in performing breathing exercises.
• Performs pulmonary function tests to be used by physician in diagnosis of case.
• Observes equipment function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy.
• Consults with physician in event of adverse reactions.
• Maintains patient's chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information.
• Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently.
• Orders repairs when needed.
• Demonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.