1. Until you are in the position of not
being able to breathe, you will never
truly understand what it is like to suffer
from a condition that can make even the
most simple tasks a constant struggle to
complete. UConn Health Center’s respiratory
therapists are here to provide care and
understanding to a wide range of individuals
suffering from a vast array of breathing
difficulties.
Our therapists are a unique blend of
technically sharp, analytical thinkers and
patient-centered caregivers who strive on a
daily basis to provide the best care possible
and truly make a difference.
Respiratory Therapy
Breathe
Easy
UConn Health Center
263 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT 06030
800-535-6232, 860-679-7692
uchc.edu 10/2013
PULMONARY MEDICINE
The Pulmonary Medicine Department can
diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions
including bronchial asthma, chronic
bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, sleep
apnea, as well as the more unusual disorders
such as sarcoidosis, a slow chronic disease in
which normal tissue is replaced by granules
of epithelium and lymphoid cells. Lung
problems associated with hypersensitivity or
occupation, acute and chronic lung diseases,
and pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary
vascular diseases, are also part of the
pulmonary team’s expertise.
Our pulmonary specialists stress patient
education and patient involvement for
success in preventing, managing, and treating
pulmonary problems.
HOW TO MAKE AN
APPOINTMENT
For further information or to schedule an
appointment with the Respiratory Care
Department, call 860-679-2184 or contact the
respiratory therapy supervisor at
860-679-3716.
DRAFT

2. WHAT ARE RESPIRATORY
THERAPISTS?
At the UConn Health Center, respiratory
therapists are an integral part of the health
care team. We are essential in the diagnosis,
treatment, management, education, and
long-term care of patients with breathing or
other cardiopulmonary problems. Under the
direction of a physician, our primary goals
are to assume the principal responsibility
for all respiratory care, therapeutic
treatments, and diagnostic procedures for
patients under our care.
WHERE DO RESPIRATORY
THERAPISTS WORK?
UConn’s respiratory therapists can be
found in a wide range of work areas. We are
located in both adult and neonatal ICUs,
the emergency department, on medical and
surgical floors, and we respond as needed to
hospital emergencies that may arise.
HOW WE CARE FOR OUR PATIENTS
Respiratory therapists operate and manage
modern high-tech equipment; work with
therapies of medical gases, medications,
and aerosols; perform bronchopulmonary
drainage; ventilator management and support;
cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and airway
management to help patients feel better and
breathe easier. It is always our priority to form
relationships with all of our patients as well as
their families.
WHO WE TREAT
The types of patients we treat can range
from premature infants with poor lung
development, to the elderly who may be
suffering from
lung diseases
such as chronic
asthma, COPD
or emphysema.
We work closely
with doctors and
nurses providing
care for patients
in the most
emergent of situations, as well as long-term
care aimed at the improvement in quality of
life for an individual suffering from a chronic
condition.
OUR STAFF
Every member of the respiratory care team
holds national certification/registration and
is licensed by the State of Connecticut as a
Respiratory Care Practitioner. We are here
to provide respiratory care 24-hours a day,
seven days a week, to patients ranging in
age from newborn to seniors, both in the
hospital and an outpatient basis.
RESPIRATORY REMINDERS
• Avoid triggers
• Get proper nutrition and exercise
• Practice pursed lip breathing during
difficult times; ex. smell the flowers and
blow out the candles
• Be familiar with your management tools,
and plan of action for times of crisis
• Prevent fatigue/conserve your energy
• Clean nebulizers and BiPap masks after
each use with warm water, and daily with
a mild detergent
• Quit smoking