Respiratory Therapy is an allied health profession devoted to the scientific application of technology in order to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, management and care of patients with cardiopulmonary and associated disorders. In the hospital setting, the respiratory therapist provides care and life support to patients in the emergency room, intensive care units, general hospital areas, and other specialty areas such as rehabilitation. They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning or shock. They may be employed in non- hospital environments as well. Patients receiving care from a respiratory therapist range in age from the premature infant to geriatrics. The respiratory therapist is also involved in the diagnostic testing of infants, children and adults with underlying medical concerns including disease and sleep disorders.