Operates and sets up devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration, aerosol generators, and disposable respiratory care products; provides emergency care, including artificial ventilation, external cardiac massage, and assists staff with cardiopulmonary resuscitation; collects and analyzes arterial blood gases and recognizes normal, abnormal and critical values; follows physician orders for treatment and evaluates requirements for treatment; monitors patient’s response to therapy; consults with physicians, nurses and other health care professionals.