Respiratory care students train PA studies students on mechanical ventilation

By Kate Hunger 

Second-year respiratory care students showed Physician Assistant Studies students how to use five different types of mechanical ventilators in training sessions held Oct. 21.

Mariana Castillo is one of five respiratory care students who provided the training to 46 first-year Physician Assistant Studies students. She trained students on the Servo-U ventilator, explained how to customize settings for different patients and provided patient scenarios.

She appreciated the opportunity to share her knowledge, particularly because of the chance to develop solid interprofessional connections.

“Interpersonal experiences are important because we all work side by side in a hospital setting,” she said. “It’s not just us as respiratory therapists making decisions; it’s everyone. So when everyone is on the same page and understands why we do certain things, it gives a better outcome for our patients.”

The training program was planned by two faculty members: Division of Respiratory Care Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education Kristina Ramirez, MPH, RRT, CHES, and Physician Assistant Studies Assistant Professor and Clinical Admissions Chair Leticia Bland, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C. First offered in 2018, the program gives Physician Assistant Studies students hands-on experience with five types of mechanical ventilators and includes practice calculating ideal body weight and evaluating different patient scenarios.

“The feedback was great,” Ramirez said. “They felt like it was in-depth. I think this helps them definitely feel more confident.”

In addition to Ramirez and Bland, faculty attending the event included Respiratory Care Assistant Professor Thomas Stokes, Jr., M.A., RRT, and Physician Assistant Studies Assistant Professor Roland Paquette, MPAS, PA-C.

The training coincided with Respiratory Care Week, which the Division of Respiratory Care marked with prizes and a pizza party.