Respiratory therapists play critical role in treating COVID-19 patients

Apr 29, 2020 | Jennifer O'Hara | @jenohara

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COVID-19 was first identified late last year with a cluster of pneumonia cases caused by a new coronavirus. The COVID-19 disease process heavily affects the respiratory system, and patients often need oxygen support. The respiratory therapist plays a critical role in managing oxygen levels, placing breathing tubes, and managing the mechanical ventilator, when necessary.

On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Daniel Diedrich, a Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist and critical care physician, discusses the role of the respiratory therapist from the time a patient presents with COVID-19 all the way through that patient's discharge.

To practice safe social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, this interview was conducted using video conferencing. The sound and video quality are representative of the technology used.

Connect with others talking about the pandemic and supporting one another in the COVID-19 support group and the Lung Health group.

 

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