Respiratory
Respiratory therapists, also known as respiratory care practioners, provide treatment, evaluation, monitoring and management of patients with breathing disorders or cardiovascular problems. All of the respiratory therapist employed at Weems Memorial Hospital are licensed by the state of Florida and are required to obtain 24 hours of continuing education every two years with their license renewal. Weems features Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) and Certified Respiratory Technicians, both of which are available at the main hospital facility in Apalachicola.
Respiratory services are available for variety of symptoms. Those who struggle, including accident victims, heart attack and stroke victims and people with asthma or emphysema, rely on Respiratory Services. Respiratory Therapists assist physicians with the diagnosis and treatment of lung and breathing disorders. Respiratory Services are provided at Weems Memorial Hospital 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and include the following:
- Oxygen Therapy
- Periodic and Continuous Aerosol Therapy
- Incentive Spirometer
- Breathing exercises
- Chest Physiotherapy
- Sputum Induction and/or collection
- Mechanical Ventilation
- Pulse Oximetry
- Arterial Blood Gas
- Intubations
- Nasotracheal, Endotracheal, and Tracheostomy tube suctioning
- Electrocardiograph (EKG)
- Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)
- BIPAP/CPAP
- Tracheostomy care and teaching
- Patient education regarding all aspects of respiratory care
- Pulse Oximetry
- Pulmonary Stress Test (Six Minute Walk Test)