INSPIRED to Prevent Respiratory Care Services Associated Infections

Session Description: Breakdowns with safe delivery of life-sustaining respiratory care services poses a serious infection and harm risk to patients, particularly among vulnerable populations such as neonates, the immunocompromised, and individuals in critical care settings. Respiratory care involves airway manipulation, close contact with mucous membranes, and the use of high-risk equipment and techniques—such as mechanical ventilation, aerosol-generating procedures, bronchoscopy, and non-invasive ventilation—that can serve as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) vectors if not properly managed.

Respiratory therapy equipment, ventilators, humidifiers, nebulizers, oxygen delivery systems, and bronchoscopes, requires meticulous cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance protocols. Improper handling can result in contamination and transmission of pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Legionella pneumophila, and non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Outbreaks linked to contaminated water sources, aseptic technique lapses, or failure to follow manufacturers' instructions for use emphasize the infection preventionist’s (IP) critical prevention role.

This session will analyze real-world respiratory care–associated outbreaks, highlighting system failures, human error, competency-based training gaps, and best practice deviations. Risk mitigation strategies, including pre-use device inspection, storage safeguards, sterile water use, and single-patient-use protocols will be examined. Emphasis will be placed on multidisciplinary collaboration, audit-feedback mechanisms, surveillance, and outcome data tracking. Regulatory findings will also be addressed.

Regardless of the care setting the IP must possess a strong understanding of respiratory therapy modalities, their infection prevention implications, and the Spaulding classification of respiratory equipment (noncritical, semi critical, or critical). Recognizing risks associated with improper drying, biofilm formation, and delayed equipment turnover will be reviewed

The session will be presented by a certified infection preventionist with a background in respiratory therapy and a co-presenter IP with critical care nursing expertise, offering dual perspectives on respiratory care safety and infection prevention. Attendees will leave with practical knowledge and actionable strategies to prevent harm, reduce HAIs, and strengthen respiratory infection prevention across the continuum of care.

Jess Danko

Program Director, South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care

Jess Danko, MS, RRT, AL-CIP, LTC-CIP, CPHQ is a purpose-driven healthcare leader with expertise in quality improvement, infection prevention, program development, and respiratory care. With a clinical foundation as a respiratory therapist and a career spanning diverse healthcare settings, Jess brings a unique perspective that bridges frontline care with strategic leadership. As Program Director, she oversees public health initiatives focused on infection control, long-term care quality, and support for tribal and underserved communities. Jess is known for leading interdisciplinary teams, driving regulatory compliance, and implementing evidence-based practices to improve care outcomes. She holds a bachelor’s in allied health and science, a master’s in healthcare administration, and credentials including RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist), AL-CIP (Assisted Leader Certified Infection Preventionist), LTC-CIP (Long-Term Care Certified Infection Preventionist), and CPHQ (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality). Her work is fueled by a passion for patient safety, continuous improvement, and sustainable systems change.

Steven Schweon

Infection Preventionist, Consultant

Steven J. Schweon RN, MPH, MSN, CIC, LTC-CIP, CPHQ, FSHEA, FAPIC is a seasoned, board-certified infection preventionist. He first became interested with infectious diseases while serving as a United States Army medic where he specialized in sexually transmitted diseases. He later worked on the high technology isolation ward at Ft. Detrick, Maryland, home of “The Hot Zone.” Staff nurse experiences include critical care and behavioral health. Steve has been an infection preventionist since 1995, achieving continual board-certification since 1997. He has authored / co-authored articles in peer reviewed publications, lectured and presented posters at national conferences, and taught national webinars. He is currently serving or has previously served on various national and international committees. On a personal level, both of his parents have developed healthcare associated infections (HAIs). Resultantly, he strives daily to make a positive difference and aims to make his presentations interesting, engaging, and fun.

Cheri Fast

HAI/AR Program Manager, South Dakota Department of Health

Cheri Fast, BSN, AL-CIP, CIC, LTC-CIP. CMIP. Program Title: South Dakota HAI/AR Program Manager Cheri is the Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Program Manager for the South Dakota Department of Health,where she leads statewide infection prevention, response, and education initiatives. She holds muliple certifications including having recieved the AL-CIP, CIC, LTC-CIP, and most recently recieved her certificate of Mastery in Infection Prevention from AHE. She is also a Wound Ostomy and Continence nurse, bringing a strong clinical foundation to her work. Cheri oversees infection control assessments, antimicrobial stewardship, outbreak response and development of targeted education for healthcare facilities across South Dakota. She serves on the national APIC Education Committee and contributed to the development of the curriculum for the aIPC examination. Cheri is passionate about supporting rural healthcare and advancing practical and sustainable infection prevention strategies statewide.