How Hyperbaric Facility Upgrading Benefits Both Patients And Staff

In some situations it becomes important to breathe oxygen under pressure ranging from one and one-half to three times the amount considered normal. The process was used at first to prevent early deep-water divers from suffering from decompression sickness during rapid ascents, but today has become an important part of the treatment given to hospital patients with certain types of injuries. Hyperbaric facility upgrading improves the process for hospital staff and patients alike.

Patients enter and remains inside a type of chamber during compression. Normal air is composed of 21% oxygen, and there are somewhat limited benefits to simply breathing a pure mixture. The most medically significant results can be produced by providing a pure form of oxygen that is also under pressure, which measurably increases the amount of that gas present in the bloodstream.

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 injuries and illnesses helped by this type of therapy not only include those related to decompression, but also involve stubborn sores common to diabetic people, injuries sustained by crushing, gangrene that threatens to spread, and the damage caused by cancer radiation treatments. People who have suffered extensive burns and grafting heal more rapidly, and carbon monoxide poisoning victims also benefit.

Facilities exist today primarily in hospitals, and consist of chambers that hold only one individual to those designed to accommodate up to twelve or more. A monoplace chamber has room for a single patient, may be tube shaped, and usually constructed of plastic. Patients recline inside, and a session may last up to two hours or more. The most common side effect is ear-popping due to pressure changes.

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.

Facilities inspections are conducted regularly to review and analyze daily operations. They are often completed by experienced medical consultants. The equipment is analyzed during real-time use, and associated staff are ask to present any relevant issues or problems they have previously encountered. Operation and maintenance logs provide a record of daily use, and help indicate when replacement is needed.

Both patients and hospital staff benefit from an upgrade to state-of-the art facilities. Not only do improvements increase the quality of care, but are very important to administrators responsible for cost controls. Consultants present solid statistics that detail projected financial savings as well as the amount of necessary investment in new equipment. The process is ongoing, and does not significantly interrupt treatment schedules.