Navigating the Twist and Turns of Airways

For most of us, breathing in and out comes naturally. Inhale and exhale. We don’t even need to think about it. A breath of that fresh fall can feel very refreshing for most. In a perfect world, we can all enjoy a perfect respiratory system.

The reality is that many people require a little help along the way.  Our respiratory systems can be impacted by the environment, a chronic disease or complications brought on by a respiratory virus.   

In these situations, a health care professional known as a Respiratory Therapist plays a very critical role in assisting patients with their respiratory complications. At Boundary Trails Health Centre, Craig Doell plays the critical role of Respiratory Therapist, boasting an honorable 23 years of service with the centre. Craig notes that a day in the life of a Respiratory Therapist in a rural setting can vary greatly. Every day is different. You provide care for a diverse demographic of patients from neonatal to adult population groups, which makes for a very interesting and rewarding career.

Craig shares about being a Respiratory Therapist in a rural setting: “The thing I enjoy most about my profession is being able to provide the critical care that clients need, locally. Whether it is an ill newborn needing stabilization prior to transport, an adult needing non-invasive ventilation in our Special Care Unit, or transporting a patient to the Intensive Care Unit in Winnipeg or Brandon, being able to provide that timely care to achieve a good outcome is very rewarding to me. I encourage students or potential students to not rule out rural areas when seeking careers.”