What are the main types of medical equipment used in this field?
• Intubation equipment such as a laryngoscope and bag valve mask. • Endotracheal tubes (ET tubes) which are placed in the airway (trachea) so breathing can be assisted. • Tracheostomy tubes which are placed in the trachea via an incision made below the vocal cords. This tube provides a connection for a ventilator and a way of suctioning the airway for long term care patients. • CPAP/Bilevel therapy provides one or two levels of pressure to maintain the patient’s airway. • Nebulizer therapy is the most commonly ordered treatment for pulmonary diseases. • Ventilators provide life-sustaining therapy that may be short or long term. • Suction catheters are typically set up at the patient’s bedside to allow RTs to suction secretions from the lungs and mouth. • Arterial blood gas kits include a heparinized syringe and needle used for puncturing the artery. The arterial blood that is obtained reflects the condition of the lungs by measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. • Pulse Oximeters a
