Hyperbaric Facility Upgrading Benefits Both Administrators And Patients

By Janine Hughes


Some types of injuries or disease make it necessary to breathe a pure form of oxygen that is under additional atmospheric pressure. The process first came into use to help prevent deep-sea divers from experiencing painful decompression sickness due to rapid ascent, and today is in widespread use as a proven way to encourage more rapid healing of injuries and diseases. Hyperbaric facility upgrading provides advantages both for staff and patients.

During compression, people remain inside a uniquely designed chamber. Untreated air contains around 21% oxygen, and while beneficial, breathing pure oxygen has limited results in most cases. The best outcomes are generated by creating a pure form of this gas that is additionally under greater atmospheric pressure. It can statistically increase the volume of oxygen present in the blood.

In many cases the results are better formation of blood vessels, improved healing of stubborn wounds, greater control of infection, less deterioration of damaged tissues, and a reduction in the amount of toxicity of certain substances. By increasing oxygen delivery to all tissues there is less chance of obstruction caused by gas bubbles, and healing is more rapid. The number of treatments necessary varies from one or two, to multiple sessions.

The diseases and injuries that can benefit not only include decompression sickness, but today encompass infections of wounds sustained by diabetics, people who are crushed in accidents, those enduring life-threatening cases of gangrene, and patients with radiation damage from cancer treatments. Those suffering burns may benefit from quicker healing of skin grafts, and victims of carbon monoxide poisoning recover faster.

These kinds of facilities are housed primarily in hospitals, and usually consist of small rooms that hold one person, as well as larger chambers that can accommodate up to a dozen. Monoplace chambers are used for individual treatments, and are sometimes made of large, plastic tubes. Sessions may take up to an hour, during which time the patient reclines inside. Most side effects involve ear-popping caused by changing pressure.

A specific diagnosis determines how much pressure is applied and for how long, in addition to patient history regarding therapeutic oxygen. Some people are scheduled on a daily basis, while others may need far fewer treatments. In most instances the procedure is completely safe, but is not recommended for those who currently have upper respiratory issues or other conditions that may force treatment delays.

Inspections takes place on a regular basis in order to review current operations. Often performed by medical consultants, the equipment itself is analyzed during operation, and staff members are asked to present existing issues or problems. Logs of necessary maintenance and operation often define where those improvements are necessary, and whether equipment needs replacing.

Both staff and patients will appreciate the benefits of upgrading to the latest types of equipment. An updated facility not only provides the latest care, but can also be an important factor for administrators responsible for controlling the financial bottom line. Consultants can detail the relationship between investing in improvements and the resulting cost advantages. Ideally, installation presents few interruptions in scheduled use.




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