Respiratory Therapy
Craig Hospital’s Respiratory Care Department has been working with ventilator dependent patients during spinal cord injury and brain injury rehabilitation for more than three decades. Our ventilator weaning program is extremely successful, with an excellent reputation for comfortably weaning patients off mechanical ventilation while they are undergoing rehabilitation.
For those who will live on ventilators for the rest of their lives, Craig Hospital has an extensive reintegration program for transitioning patients and families to a more independent life.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a person eat on ventilator?
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Many patients will be able to eat while on a ventilator. At Craig Hospital speech and respiratory work together to ensure a safe and functional swallow.
- Will someone on a ventilator be able to cough?
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A cough will be weak or nonexistent for someone on a ventilator.
- What are spasms?
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Involuntary muscles spasms can make it appear as though a person with quadriplegia is able to move their limbs.
- Why should someone on a ventilator be turned often?
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Patients on ventilators should be turned frequently to break up secretions, help with lung expansion, and protect their skin.
