Respiratory Therapists at Pioneers Medical Center
Help You Breathe Easier

Meeker, CO--For 39 million Americans suffering from lung disease, breathing is not something taken for granted. Nor is their appreciation for the skill, training, experience and care of the respiratory therapists who help maintain and improve their breathing.

Last week, the American Association for Respiratory Care marked the 25th anniversary of Respiratory Care Week (Oct. 22–28) to recognize more than 132,000 respiratory therapists and technicians in the United States who work to help patients with lung disease. Of the 39 million Americans suffering from lung disease, 15 million have asthma, and 24 million have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

“Respiratory Care Week is that time of year when we recognize the importance of respiratory therapy to our lung health,” said Marnell Bradfield, Manager of Pioneers Cardiopulmonary Services, “It is important to provide patients with educational messages that will benefit them,” said Bradfield, a registered respiratory therapist for more than 8 years. “There are things respiratory patients can do to help themselves. We hope to point them in the right direction.” The Cardiopulmonary patient population at Pioneers Medical Center includes, newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.

Pioneer’s Cardiopulmonary Services include comprehensive inpatient care and outpatient program that include testing, such as EKG’s, sleep studies, pulmonary lung function testing, exercise treadmill studies and cardiac rehabilitation. Asthma Education for children and adults is available. Also, certified Tobacco Cessation Counseling is available for teens and adults.

“A lot of the patients who come to rehab are afraid,” said Bradfield. “They don’t think they can do the exercises, so we encourage them not to give up. Our reward is three weeks down the line when we see the patients encouraging each other.” Pioneers Medical Center has 3 Respiratory Therapists and provided 3,445 patients procedures last year.