What is a primary role of a respiratory therapist during a code blue situation?

In a code blue situation, the primary role of a respiratory therapist is to provide advanced airway management and ventilation support. This is critical in emergencies where a patient is experiencing respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. The respiratory therapist is skilled in securing the airway, which may involve intubation, bag-mask ventilation, or using advanced airway devices. By ensuring that the airway is clear and providing adequate ventilation, the therapist plays a vital role in restoring oxygenation and helping to stabilize the patient's condition.

The ability to provide effective ventilation support can significantly impact patient outcomes during a critical incident. While monitoring vital signs and administering medications are important aspects of patient care during emergencies, these tasks are often performed by multiple team members, including nurses and physicians. Assessing patient history is typically not feasible during a code blue due to the immediate nature of the situation and the focus on life-saving interventions. Therefore, the respiratory therapist's expertise in airway management and ventilation is central to their responsibilities in these high-stress scenarios.