Respiratory Therapists are essential members of the medical care team. In an emergency situation, we are often some of the first clinicians to help patients. We manage the airway, intubate patients who cannot breathe on their own, insert arterial lines and sample blood work, perform CPR on adults, children, and infants as members of  code blue teams. We are experts in mechanical ventilation, and often assist doctors in choosing appropriate means for keeping patients alive in the most critical situations. Please help get Respiratory therapy recognized.