Our staff works closely with physicians to provide a comprehensive approach
to treating patients with respiratory disorders.

Services provided may include assessment, diagnostic testing, therapeutics, monitoring, education and rehabilitation.

The department provides services to the full range of patients from neonate to geriatric, with an emphasis on acute and critical care. Services include care of the critically ill patient -- including adult, pediatric and neonatal ventilation. The department also provides nitric oxide administration to both intubated and non-intubated patients. Heliox therapy is used for patients with various types of airway obstruction, and high frequency ventilation is provided for adults, pediatric and neonates.

Respiratory therapists at Deaconess Medical Center participate in the management of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients with carbon monoxide inhalation, problem wounds and other ailments. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation is provided for over one thousand patients per year.

Other services include asthma education, bronchoscopy assistance, and aerosolized antibiotic administration. In the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, respiratory therapists manage surfactant delivery and high-risk transport of pediatric and neonatal patients.

In addition to taking care of inpatients, the Deaconess Respiratory Department includes a sleep lab and an excellent pulmonary function lab.