In response to my @WashingtonPost op-ed about being on a #ventilator, I received an email from a respiratory therapist that made an excellent point. I'm sharing part of her email with her permission.

https://wapo.st/34pHjfX 

#coronavirus #COVID19 #COVIDー19

"I'm a #RespiratoryTherapist. I currently work in the pulmonary rehabilitation department, but I spend many days in the ICU taking care of patients like yourself."

#coronavirus #COVID19 #COVIDー19 #ventilator #ventilators

"It is the #RespiratoryTherapists who are managing your airways, checking your #ventilator settings, drawing blood gases, and making recommendations. From #intubation to #extubation, we are there ."

#coronavirus #COVID19 #COVIDー19 #ventilator #ventilators

"I wish your article would have recognized our profession, it would have been a perfect time to spotlight the RTs on the front line of this devastating virus."

#coronavirus #COVID19 #COVIDー19 #ventilator #ventilators

"I have one last recommendation: PULMONARY REHABILITATION. We can help you to recover!"

#coronavirus #COVID19 #COVIDー19 #ventilator #ventilators

So in response to this email, I have two points:

1. #Ventilators don't operate themselves. I wrote in the Post that a #ventilator saved my life; but really, my care team at @nyulangone saved my life.

#coronavirus #COVID19 #COVIDー19 #ventilator #Ventilators

2. When discussing #HealthcareHeroes, we focus on doctors and nurses. But let's not forget respiratory therapists - and all the other #healthcareworkers on the front lines of the #COVID19 fight. THANK YOU!!!

#coronavirus #COVIDー19 #ventilator #ventilators