Respiratory therapists: These little-known health care workers operate the all-important ventilators

CNN — The rapid spread of coronavirus has sent states scrambling to buy ventilators to prepare for a coming apex of cases. “When I tell people I’m a respiratory therapist, they look at me with a blank stare,” said Lisa Shultis, a respiratory therapist and director for Long Island University’s respiratory care program. Misha Friedman/Getty Images Respiratory therapists are the ones who track Covid-19 patients’ oxygen levels, manage their breathing and, if need be, intubate them and set up a mechanical ventilator. That’s why it’s imperative that we have the right for whomever is in the room, but especially for respiratory therapists.” Shultis, Kallstrom and Barnes said they have been frustrated watching officials and the media discuss the need for ventilators without acknowledging the role of respiratory therapists. Shultis said even inside hospitals, respiratory therapists often aren’t acknowledged on level footing with other health care workers.