Clinical respiratory therapists at the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) specialize in care related to the cardiorespiratory system and work closely with doctors and other health professionals. Their duties include administering oxygen, administering aerosol therapy or treatment with metered dose inhalers, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as well as monitoring patients on mechanical ventilation. These team members also perform lab-based respiratory and pulmonary function testing.
Respiratory therapists who provide services in the electrophysiology, hemodynamics and surgery sectors at the MHI act as respiratory care therapist. They help monitor the induction, maintenance and emergence phases of general anesthesia and assist with procedures that require sedation and analgesia. They prepare all supplies, install the various devices used in anesthesia, and ensure these instruments are working properly.
Respiratory therapists who work in the research sector in close collaboration with MHI researchers help prepare different research projects, recruit subjects from among the target clientele, and collect and analyze study data. At all times, they are there to support and assist clients.