Cleveland Regional Medical Center (CRMC) has earned the Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) designation from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). This national program aims to help patients make informed decisions about hospital respiratory care services.
When we work with our patients we focus a great deal of time and attention on patient education — discussing the respiratory status, the best use of peak flow meters, metered dose inhalers, spacers, oxygen, nebulizers, as well as the names of patient's respiratory medications, the indications, the dosages, and frequency of usage, and the expected outcomes. We also try to involve each individual in his/her own recovery process.
What do respiratory therapists do?
The AARC began the QRCR program in 2003 to help patients find hospitals employing qualified respiratory therapists (RTs), specially trained healthcare professionals who work under physicians’ orders to provide a wide range of breathing treatments and other services. They care for people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, AIDS and other lung or lung-related conditions. RTs also care for premature infants and are key members of the lifesaving response teams who handle medical emergencies.
National Levels of Care
Hospitals with the QRCR designation provide respiratory care that meets national standards and guidelines. Hospitals earning this designation help ensure patient safety by holding to strict criteria:
- RTs are either legally recognized by the state as competent to provide respiratory care services or hold a certified or registered RT credential.
- RTs are available 24 hours a day.
- The respiratory care services medical director is an M.D. or D.O.
We are a significant part of the "Code Blue" and Trauma Team, responding to any emergency situation. We assist with intubations, we help to stabilize the patient in the Emergency department before being transported to the critical care unit. We work closely with the primary care physicians, and anesthesiologists to manage the patient while they are on the ventilator, and we assist in getting the patient off the ventilator while monitoring the patients status and recovery process.
The Cardiopulmonary/Respiratory Care Department at CRMC offers both inpatient and outpatient services for all your needs. A closer look at what we offer: