没有氧气，人活不过几分钟, so it's no surprise that respiratory therapists play a critical role in healthcare by helping people breathe.
Not only do respiratory therapists help treat chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, but they're also seeing an increase in patients with 急性呼吸窘迫综合征 - a condition that can happen as a result of COVID-19.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of respiratory therapists will grow 2020年至2030年期间的23%这比平均速度快得多. 这意味着每年预计有10100个职位空缺.
million people suffer from asthma - one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases (WHO)
预计2020 - 2030年呼吸治疗工作的增长
职位空缺 每年 到2030年呼吸治疗的预测是什么
A 呼吸道护理 technician performs a 肺功能检查 on a patient.
呼吸治疗师可以在急诊室工作, 加护病房, 养老院, 门诊, 甚至是睡眠中心. They work closely with doctors and other healthcare team members to evaluate and treat patients - this may include administering 肺功能检查 or taking blood samples to analyze oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Testing and treatments vary depending on the type and severity of the patient's condition.
You may be familiar with some of the more common breathing or airway problems, like asthma, 慢性阻塞性肺疾病 (COPD), 支气管炎，囊性纤维化， and even 睡眠呼吸暂停. 最近，你可能听说过 急性呼吸窘迫综合征 -疾病或受伤后可能发生的情况. This serious condition is on the rise in patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Respiratory therapists also work with patients who have suffered injuries or trauma to their lungs and airways.
Sharon has over 25 years of respiratory care experience and earned her bachelor's degree in business management from Bridgewater State University. 莎伦在重症监护方面有经验, 临床和教学指导, 肺康复, 肺功能检查, neonates, and ECMO. 她曾在南岸医疗中心工作, 马萨索伊特社区学院, 波士顿医疗中心, 和麻省总医院. Sharon also is a board member and previous president of the Massachusetts Society of 呼吸道护理.