Respiratory therapists evaluate and treat all types of patients, ranging from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to elderly people whose lungs are diseased.

Respiratory therapists provide temporary relief to patients with chronic asthma or emphysema, and they give emergency care to patients who are victims of a heart attack, stroke, drowning, or shock.

The combination of hands-on technical know-how and a solid understanding of respiratory conditions sets respiratory therapists apart and makes them a crucial component of the health care team. They have the opportunity to help their patients through trying times.