Role of the respiratory physiotherapist in the emergency room for adults

Abstract

In the emergency room, respiratory physiotherapists are mainly involved in the treatment of acute respiratory diseases. They use various methods to help clear sputum out. They adapt and evaluate treatments using oxygen, aerosols, and non-invasive ventilation. They help patients cough to get samples for microbiological analysis. Practice in the emergency room requires specific skills. Analysis of the patient’s situation must be fast to detect early the signs of worsening or improvement. Due to various interventions as well as their specific knowledge and experience, respiratory physiotherapists should play a key role in the treatment of patients presenting with acute respiratory failure.