Respiratory therapists are among the many unsung heroes of pulmonology and critical care. This Respiratory Care Week, we’re honoring the clinicians whose expertise keep patients breathing and care teams supported in the most urgent moments. As part of that recognition, Access TeleCare is pleased to shine light on just one of the many patient cases where our teleCritical Care specialists, working alongside on-site respiratory therapists and other ICU team members, made a difference.
Case Spotlight: Rapid TeleICU Support Prevents Intubation
When a 50-year-old patient at a busy rural hospital began to rapidly decline following a GI bleed, the on-site team turned to Access TeleCare’s teleCritical Care program for immediate support. The patient’s blood pH had plummeted to 7.0, signaling imminent cardiac arrest.
Within minutes, an Access TeleCare intensivist joined the bedside team virtually, working in real time with ICU nurses and respiratory therapists to stabilize the patient. Rather than immediately intubating — which carried significant risk and could have prolonged the hospital stay — the team used BiPAP to support breathing and avoid invasive ventilation.
The result: the patient was stabilized, never intubated, and ultimately discharged home without a transfer.
The Power of Integration
This case underscores the value of respiratory therapy as part of a fully integrated teleICU model:
- Real-time collaboration: TeleCritical Care specialists coordinate directly with bedside respiratory therapists and ICU nurses.
- Better outcomes: The decision to avoid intubation not only shortened the patient’s stay but also reduced complications and recovery time.
- Ongoing education: Access TeleCare’s model helps on-site teams build confidence and skill in managing high-acuity cases — creating lasting improvements in care quality.
Celebrating Respiratory Therapists Nationwide
Respiratory Care Week is about shining a light on the professionals who are vital to critical care teams in the ICU and care for pulmonology patients in med/surg units. Whether responding to acute crises, managing ventilators, or supporting patients through recovery, respiratory therapists are an indispensable part of the care continuum — and Access TeleCare is proud to work alongside them every day.
