How A Decompression Chamber Service Benefits Users

By Janine Hughes


When free divers began reaching previously unattainable depths during the mid-20th century, a new challenge presented itself. If they ascended too rapidly, dissolved gases in the blood reacted to the changes in pressure, producing bubbles that caused extreme pain, and could result in paralysis and death. The primary solution still in use is to slowly equalize internal pressure in a specially designed surface room. A decompression chamber service keeps that process running smoothly.

Also known as hyperbaric chambers, these vessels were originally adapted from the steel boilers used to power ships. They were already being used in a a high-pressure capacity, and could easily be transformed into airtight rooms big enough to hold people. This solution worked well, and the basic structural concept has been modified over the years with additional safety features and construction techniques.

Metal cylinders are still used for pressure equalization, but most modern units are acrylic plastic, and in some locations resemble a standard hospital treatment room. To make the time spent inside pass more pleasantly, many facilities are equipped with sound and entertainment systems, have advanced methods of fire suppression, and are controlled by computers. The emphasis is on patient comfort.

Those designed for one person at a time are called monoplace chambers, and can be pressurized and the air inside replaced with pure oxygen. These models are featured by most manufacturers, and cost slightly more than those made of metal. The safety records associated with this design show a high level of reliability, and allow patients to be closely observed and medically monitored.

Multiplace chambers have greater capacity, and advanced monitoring. Most have one or more airlocks that fully seal the chamber, and pure oxygen is supplied via a hood or mask, or through an endotracheal tube. This method does not require the room to be completely filled with pure oxygen, reducing the possibility of accidental fire. They are ideal for treating several patients in varying degrees of distress.

Hospitals today use the same kind of pressurized oxygen to treat patients with problems healing normally. Spending time in a hyperbaric chamber can assist those with open diabetic sores, people who have been badly burned and require skin grafting, and those who have sustained crushing injuries in an accident or are recovering from chemotherapy. The pressure measurably increases the amount of oxygen in the blood.

Because of these systems are integral during emergencies, unexpected down-time is unacceptable. Specific services exist today that specialize not only in the installation of these facilities, but also help maintain them in peak operating condition. The emphasis today is on rapid employee deployment whenever mechanical repair issues arise, and remote computer diagnostics allows developing problems to be discovered quickly.

These services not only maintain their products, but also provide specialized training for those who operate them in centers featuring equipment designed to demonstrate the latest techniques and operations. The goal of these services is to reduce the time needed for service and upgrading, and to enable hospitals and other decompression locations to present the highest level of treatment at all times.




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