A traditional philosophical conundrum begins with “If a tree falls in a forest……”, but how about this one, if respiratory therapists are invisible to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, do we really exist? The answer is, of course, yes. We are at the bedside, treating afflicted patients, and often in close proximity to the airway. We provide breathing treatments, assist in intubation, and institute and monitor mechanical ventilation. These interventions drastically increase our chances of contracting the virus, and thus we risk our lives in the process. So why are we not identified in the media alongside nurses and physicians, or if we are, it is under the general description of healthcare workers? What can be done to increase our visibility as a healthcare profession? Let’s examine this issue.
