Textbooks

Basic Principles of Mechanical Ventilation  by Melody Bishop (CC BY-NC-SA).

This primer on mechanical ventilation provides health care professionals with a comprehensive yet clear overview of the theory of ventilation, initial settings and titration, ventilation modes, and effective decision-making based on Ideal Body Weight, safe tidal volume ranges, and arterial blood gases. Using straightforward language, everyday object lessons, and interactive self-checks, this book aims to make the basics of ventilation more accessible to non-specialist healthcare professionals. By the end of this book, learners will understand how ventilation works from initial patient assessment to weaning. [Published in 2022 by ecampusOntario.]

Breathe Easy: RT Student Resource for Mechanical Ventilation  by Yvonne Drasovean (CC BY-NC-SA).

A primer on mechanical ventilation intended for respiratory therapy students. Offering a blend of theoretical principles and practical illustrations, this book provides an engaging platform for students to develop the essential skills necessary for the effective application of mechanical ventilation in clinical practice.

Northern and Indigenous Health and Healthcare  by Heather Exner-Pirot; Bente Norbye; and Lorna Butler (CC-BY-NC)

The provision of northern health care entails many unique challenges and circumstances that are rarely represented in mainstream health sciences education. This OpenEd Resource provides accessible content on health and health care from a northern perspective for the growing number of health professionals being educated in northern communities.

Pulmonary Pathophysiology for Pre-Clinical Students  by Andrew P. Binks (CC BY-NC-SA).

This text is an undergraduate medical-level resource for foundational knowledge of pulmonary pathophysiology. This text is designed for a pre-clinical undergraduate medical curriculum and is aligned to USMLE(r) (United States Medical Licensing Examination) content guidelines. The text is meant to provide the essential information in a concise format that would allow learner preparation to engage in an active classroom. Clinical correlates and additional application of content is intended to be provided in the classroom experience. The text assumes that the students will have an understanding of basic pulmonary physiology that will be helpful to understand the content presented here. This resource should be assistive to the learner later in medical school and for exam preparation given the material is presented in a succinct manner, with a focus on high-yield concepts. [Published June 15, 2022 by Virginia Tech.]

Pulmonary Physiology for Pre-Clinical Students by Andrew P. Binks (CC BY-NC-SA).

This text is an undergraduate medical-level resource for foundational knowledge of pulmonary physiology. This text is designed for a pre-clinical medical curriculum and is aligned to USMLE(r) (United States Medical Licensing Examination) content guidelines. The text is meant to provide the essential information in a concise format that would allow learner preparation to engage in an active classroom. Clinical correlates and additional application of content is intended to be provided in the classroom experience. This resource should be assistive to the learner later in medical school and for exam preparation given the material is presented in a succinct manner, with a focus on high-yield concepts. [Published June 15, 2022 by Virginia Tech.]

Respiratory Therapy: An Open Workbook for the Entry-to-Practice Student  by Kirsten Holbrook (CC-BY)

This is a practical and interactive resource designed to support students entering the field of respiratory therapy. This workbook provides foundational knowledge and hands-on exercises covering key topics such as respiratory anatomy and physiology, diagnostic techniques, therapeutic interventions, and patient care strategies. With a focus on real-world application, it includes case studies, practice questions, and activities to reinforce learning and build clinical skills. Ideal for entry-level students, this workbook serves as a valuable tool for mastering the essentials of respiratory therapy and preparing for professional practice.[Published in  2025 by WisTech Open]i

Also see the chapter on Medical Terminology

Media Attributions

• Canada Map Icon by Icons8 (CC BY-ND).
• ask map by Wikimedia Commons (public domain).