THE ROLE OF RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS IN DISASTER RESPONSE AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Abstract

Respiratory therapists have valuable expertise to offer to medical disaster response efforts. Their specialized knowledge and skills can benefit community response teams in preparing for and responding to disaster situations. Their familiarity with hospital routines and equipment, along with education and experience relevant to disaster management, equip respiratory therapists to function effectively as part of a disaster response medical team. This outlines the roles respiratory therapists can play in educational activities to enhance community preparedness, highlights methods of preparedness that may benefit their own health care facilities, and provides guidelines for supervisors interested in enabling those staff who wish to become involved in the field of emergency preparedness and management. Although there is a particular point of view, most of its guidance can be adapted to the needs of respiratory therapists around the world. (Aruru et al.2021)

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, there has been a shift in the emphasis given to the importance of emergency preparedness in health care. The heightened awareness by health care professionals of the dangers that can occur in mass casualty events—whether through natural or intentional causes—has prompted a review by individuals, hospitals, and governmental health organizations of the need for enhanced preparedness.