Cardiopulmonary services
"I like being a respiratory therapist
because I like being able to make people breathe easier and seeing the looks on their face when they can catch their breath again. I also like working with a vast range of patients from newborns to adults because it helps me stay experienced in all situations.”
- Derek S., RRT
Our dedicated, experienced staff includes a registered nurse (RN) and respiratory therapists (RT) who combine excellence with compassion for patients.
A respiratory therapist is trained and skilled to assess, diagnose and treat patients who have difficulty breathing. They work with people of all ages in conjunction with providers and nurses to come up with treatment plans aimed at best helping restore as much natural breathing function as possible.
As a critical team member in the overall care of the patient, the therapist educates patients on how to administer treatments on their own. The respiratory care staff is highly qualified to provide therapeutic and diagnostic testing and treatments for the lungs.
The Respiratory Therapy Department is open seven days a week with staff on duty 24 hours every day to serve patients in the emergency department and patients in the hospital.
A respiratory therapist provides the following services for patients in the hospital, family birth center and emergency department:
- EKG
- Arterial blood gas
- Bronchoscopy assist
- Breathing treatments
- Ventilator management
- BiPAP and CPAP management
- Patient assessment
- Oxygen therapy
Outpatient services provided at St. Anthony Hospital include:
- Pulmonary function testing
- Spirometry
- MDI instruction
- Cardiac event monitoring
- Cardiac treadmill stress test
- Smoking cessation assistance
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) (adult & pediatric)
Outpatient testing information
Cardiac event monitor
A cardiac event monitor may be ordered by your provider to find if irregular heartbeats can be captured on a recording.
These appointments are 30 minutes, the device is then worn for up to 14 days.
Please bathe and avoid lotions or oils on your chest on the day of your appointment.
Pulmonary function test (PFT)
Pulmonary function tests (PFT's) are breathing tests to find out how well you move air in and out of your lungs and how well oxygen enters your bloodstream.
Before your PFT visit:
- Do not take any nebulizer or metered dose inhaler treatments or drugs 6 hours before your check in time.
- No smoking 6 hours prior to check in time.
- No heavy meals within 2 hours of test.
- Do not wear any tight clothing.
- Do not exercise heavily for at least 30 minutes before the test.
- Do not drink alcohol for at least 4 hours before the test.
A complete pulmonary function test takes around one and a half hours.
A spirometry test takes approximately 30 minutes.
For more information, call 541-969-6585.
Manager: Derek Skufca