[Role of respiratory therapists in weaning patients from invasive mechanical ventilation: a description of their responsibilities from a certified weaning centre].

Respiratory therapists have been trained by the German Respiratory Society (DGP) since 2005. Respiratory therapeutic interventions related to weaning patients from invasive mechanical ventilation are a major focus. Respiratory therapists have been an integral part of the therapeutic team at the Thorax Clinic Heidelberg for more than 10 years. This article describes their tasks and responsibilities in the context of weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation. The acute treatment phase of invasively ventilated patients in the acute intensive care unit and the prolonged weaning phase in the pneumological intensive care unit are presented in chronological order. The therapeutic focus of each phase is presented and described.