Respiratory care is an allied health specialty employed under medical supervision in the treatment, management, control, diagnostic evaluation, and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system. It includes the therapeutic use of medical gases, environmental control systems, humidification, aerosols, medications, ventilator and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BIPAP) support, bronchopulmonary drainage, respiratory rehabilitation, assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and maintenance of natural, artificial, and mechanical airways. Specific testing techniques are employed in respiratory care to assist in diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, and research. These include measurements of ventilator volumes, pressures, flows, and other related physiologic monitoring. Other services included are Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT Laboratory) and Arterial Blood Gas puncture and analyses (ABG Laboratory).

The Department of Respiratory Therapy is a major ancillary component of the hospital’s medical service which remains closely integrated with all medical and nursing and other ancillary services of the hospital that provide and contribute to patient care. Only therapists licensed or otherwise authorized under New York State Education Law shall practice respiratory care in WHMC. The department assures the continuous assessment and improvement of the quality of care and services provided.

The Respiratory Therapy Department functions 24/7 in all units – ED, ICU/CCU, NICU, Labor and Delivery, OR, RR, Dialysis, Oncology, and Medical/Surgery.