City and County of San Francisco

Under general supervision, administers respiratory treatment to patients with pulmonary disorders by means of inhalation therapy, physical therapy, and ventilatory assistance; maintains respiratory therapy equipment; assists with special procedures, such as intubation and tracheostomy tube changes; and performs related duties as required.

This class is characterized by responsibility for performance of respiratory therapy including nebulized medication pressure treatments and other techniques as ordered by a physician in the treatment of adult patients with respiratory conditions, including those who require mechanical assistance. Positions in this class work under the technical and administrative supervision of a higher level respiratory care practitioner and/or a physician and are distinguished from the latter in that they perform a lesser range of respiratory care functions.

“The class specification shall be descriptive of the class and shall not be considered as a restriction on the assignment of duties not specifically listed.” (CSC Rule 7)

1. Measures respiratory function in patients by means such as spirometry, obtains arterial blood for blood gas calibration and analysis, obtains results of blood gas analysis, records results and notifies physicians of results.

2. Performs respiratory therapy procedures including breathing treatments, chest physical therapy, and induction of sputum; administers oxygen, humidity, and aerosol treatments as ordered by a physician; maintains respiratory support for patients during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

3. Observes and evaluates patients’ responses to respiratory treatments, maintains records of treatments and discusses same with professional staff, may make recommendations and assist nurses and physicians when problems associated with respiratory therapy occur.

4. Explains procedures and proper use of equipment to patients to dispel apprehensions which could reduce the effectiveness of the respiratory therapy.

5. Services and maintains equipment in sanitary condition.

Knowledge of: basic physiology pertaining to heart and lung functions; principles, methods and theory involved in the practice of respiratory therapy; use and care of respiratory equipment; techniques of administering medical gases and their effects on the human body; patient positioning techniques used to mobilize secretions; breathing instructions and supportive exercises.

Ability to: perform various respiratory therapy procedures safely; employ appropriate tests of pulmonary function; understand the patient’s psychosocial needs; maintain records

CERTIFICATION: Requires possession of a valid certificate as a Respiratory Care Practitioner issued by the Respiratory Care Examining Committee of the State of California.

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.