SPRING AIRWAVES 2020
President’s Message
Sue Jones RRT FCSRT LSSBB RTSO President As we work through COVID-19 and the challenges it has created in our healthcare system, our lives and our economy, please know that we are here for you.
An Open Letter to the RT’s in Ontario
Kelly Hassall, RRT FCSRT MEd RTSO President Elect My Fellow RTs, I don’t typically write my own section in RTSO Airwaves but given the current circumstances I felt that perhaps it was appropriate to do so.
Editorial
Shawna MacDonald RRT FCSRT BEd Director; Editor-in-Chief, RTSO Airwaves Welcome to the Spring 2020 issue of RTSO Airwaves! Today’s focus continues to be on preparation, planning, personal protective equipment, and the various aspects of care and management of COVID-19 across the province.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Community RT Committee Report
Sylvia Mortimer BSc RRT CRE The Community RT group is continuing to collaborate, forming a working group for the development of standardized spirometry medical directives, along with expanding our membership base.
Leadership Committee Update
Kelly Hassall, RRT FCSRT MEd Stephen Buziak, RRT MA The past few months have been quite a rollercoaster for the Leadership Committee members, as I’m sure they have been for all of you.
Research Interest Group (RIG) Update
Shirley Quach RRT HBSc Tina Yan HBSc RRT CHT Thank you to every RT for your dedication and contributions during this difficult time.
Social Media Committee Report
Farzad Refahi HBSc RRT CRE FCSRT Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have increased our communication with RT leaders and clinical networks to better share updated resources with RTs. We are frequently speaking with CRTO and CSRT to discuss the rapidly changing environment.
Student Affairs Committee (SAC) Report
Laura Tangelder, SRT My name is Laura Tangelder, and I’m the second-year representative for Fanshawe College on the Student Affairs Committee (SAC). Moving forward, SAC is going to be changing the way we schedule and run meetings.
Letter to Students Becoming GRTs
The RTSO Student Affairs Committee would like to reach out to Ontario’s GRT’s as some of you begin your professional careers.
My Intrinsic PEEP
Poem by Aleksandra Shalakhova, 2nd year Student Respiratory Therapist Algonquin College, Ottawa ON
FEATURED ARTICLES
Ministry Updates
April 1, 2020 Transfer Order for Ontario Telemedicine Network In Effect Ontario is building healthier and safer communities by taking further steps to end hallway health care and build an integrated, connected health care system.
Sharing An Extraordinary Peruvian Experience
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Respiratory Therapy Field School Course Submitted by Alicja Dworzak, RRT and Shalu Singh, RRT
STUDENT PERSPECTIVES
Benefits of NAVA for the Neonatal and Pediatric Population
Submitted by Desmond Chan, SRT, Harry Kanathasan, SRT, Sherry Said, SRT, Tanvi Patel, SRT
Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA) is used as an additional adjunct to assist in improving ventilation in pediatric patients
