ABSTRACT
The novel SARS coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for COVID-19 which primarily affects the respiratory tract, particularly the lungs, of infected patients. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a large number of hospitalized patients with respiratory failure reaching the level of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS requires prolonged respiratory care. Critically ill patients can frequently progress to decompensation and death. Respiratory therapy is therefore important in response to such a health crisis as COVID-19, to improve patient care and ultimately prevent mortality. Modern respiratory care science has shown that proning can improve oxygenation of patients with ARDS. Planning and preparation for a viral respiratory health crisis require a strategy and system to prone patients effectively and safely. In this two-part chapter, perspectives are presented on respiratory therapy and proning during the pandemic. The experience of respiratory therapy at the SBH Health System during the COVID-19 crisis surge in Spring 2020 presents rich lessons to be learned about health crisis planning, preparation, and management with respect to respiratory therapy. © SBH Health System 2022.