Respiratory on-calls

Published: 11/11/2023

Preparing for your first on-call can be daunting but these are my tips to be as prepared and ‘confident’ as possible. 

Preparation tips

• Know the indications and contraindications for respiratory treatments - I found the e-lfh "Respiratory Physiotherapy" course useful for this 
• Create a call crib sheet to gain the important information for the phone call to decide if you need to come in or not
• You can buy a pocketbook e.g. Respiratory Physiotherapy Pocketbook: An On-Call Survival Guide by Jane Cross, Mary-Ann Broad, Mathew Quint, Paul Ritson and Sandy Thomas
• Sort out your on-call buddy if you have one

Now remember you have been assessed as safe to be on call. You have contact numbers for support if needed and you are not alone. It is okay to be unconsciously competent and lack confidence, it is normal and a sign you know your own limitations. 

The night of the on-call

Collect your bleep and set up your nightstand with paper, pen and your crib sheet. It is also good practice to have your phone on charge. 

Set out your uniform, stethoscope etc in easy-reach

Then most importantly keep to your normal bedtime routine. This will help you keep calm. Try to move the stress and worry to when you receive the call as much as possible.