Celebrating the Heroes of Respiratory Care: A Personal Perspective

Published in Member Communities on October 21, 2024

Respiratory Care Week, celebrated from October 20-26, 2024, is a special time to honor the dedication and expertise of respiratory therapists (RTs) and the vital role they play in healthcare. This week is also dedicated to raising awareness about respiratory health and improving patient outcomes, ensuring patients with respiratory conditions receive the best care possible, both in clinical settings and at home. 

During Respiratory Care Week, healthcare facilities and communities come together to celebrate the contributions of RTs to highlight achievements, share knowledge, and inspire the next generation of respiratory care professionals. VGM’s Emily Southall, Sleep Services Manager, shares what this week means to her as a respiratory therapist. 

A Personal Journey in Respiratory Care: Emily Southall 

My journey as a respiratory therapist started when I lost my mother. In her passing, I wanted to ensure I understood what physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers were saying to me. It was important for me to acquire these skills to have peace of mind, knowing if a family member became ill again, I would have an informed opinion about my family’s health and my own. 

I am honored and thankful to have been a respiratory therapist for the past 18 years. This profession has taught me many life lessons, including compassion and understanding. It has also shown me how to control my emotions in difficult situations and support people when they are not at their best. 

As respiratory therapists, we are utilized in many situations. We are trained to perform a wide range of diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, and sleep studies. We are also trained to maintain respiratory equipment, such as ventilators, oxygen delivery systems, and nebulizers. We are responsible for ensuring these devices are functioning properly and are appropriately calibrated to meet the patient’s needs. We perform checks on these devices while a patient is using them, whether in the hospital or at home, to ensure the patient is receiving optimal care. 

Respiratory Therapists in Sleep Services at VGM 

At VGM, respiratory therapists play a crucial role in the education and management of sleep apnea through the Sleep Services program. Once a patient is diagnosed with sleep apnea from their sleep study, respiratory therapists from VGM Sleep Services become involved in the patient’s journey. When a patient is ready to be set up and educated on the device, that is where we, the respiratory therapists, step in. 

We educate patients about sleep apnea, its risks, and the importance of adherence to treatment plans provided by their physician and sleep study results. We also provide ongoing support and follow-up care to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and make necessary adjustments. We then analyze and report data from their PAP download, which helps us ensure their device is working properly for their needs. 

Happy Respiratory Care Week! I am thankful to work at such an amazing place with amazing people. Our group of respiratory therapists here at VGM & Associates are truly the best, and I am honored to work with them all. 

Honoring Respiratory Care Week 

As we celebrate Respiratory Care Week, VGM wishes to share a big “thank you” to all members, vendor partners, and more for the incredible impact you have on patient care. Whether it’s an RT providing hands-on treatment or an HME professional ensuring patients have the best equipment, these contributions are invaluable to helping improve patient outcomes in today’s healthcare landscape. Join VGM in sharing support and recognition to the heroes in respiratory care, whose dedication and expertise make a profound difference in the lives of patients every day. 

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1. respiratory
2. sleep
3. vgm