The Respiratory Therapy Department helps patients breathe easier using treatments to preserve or improve the pulmonary or lung function of the patient. Respiratory Therapy provides treatment for emphysema, croup, congestive heart failure, pneumonia, atelectasis and chest traumas. Staff treats inpatients and outpatients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Respiratory Therapists are a vital part of the lifesaving response teams in the Emergency Department and the Intensive Care Unit. Therapists help to establish and maintain airways, and operate patient respiratory equipment.

Respiratory Therapy Staff

Respiratory Therapists are registered by the National Board of Respiratory Care and are licensed by the State of Ohio. Many also maintain certifications in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and pediatric advanced life support (PALS).

Diagnostic Testing

Diagnostics tests include all procedures ordered by the patient's physician.

  • Arterial blood gas testing determines the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood as well as the acidity of the blood. This is vital in determining a patient's respiratory problem. The Blood Gas Lab is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (C.A.P.).
  • The department also partners with the Neurology Department for the Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders Lab.

Patient Therapy

Patient therapies include aerosol treatments, metered dose inhalers, chest physiotherapy, incentive spirometry, oxygen administration and mechanical ventilation. The Respiratory Therapy Department is located on the first floor of the Main Hospital. Most diagnostic evaluations are performed Monday through Saturday on a scheduled basis.

Outpatient Pulmonary Services

The Respiratory Therapy Department is now offering outpatient pulmonary services at Medina Hospital. Services are offered for patients with a variety of pulmonary conditions including asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, sarcoidosis, hypersensitivity, lung nodules, occupational lung disease and respiratory failure.

For more information about the Respiratory Therapy Department call 330.721.5313.