The Value Of A Decompression Chamber Service

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 called hyperbaric chambers, the original designs used large steel boilers common in the power plants of ships. They were already operated under high pressure, and could be transformed into airtight vessels holding several people at a time. This solution was successful, and the basic idea has been improved and modified since then by adding safety features and using different building materials.

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.

Monoplace chambers are intended for use by a single individual, and can contain an atmosphere of pure pressurized oxygen. Most manufacturers feature this common design, which costs slightly more than metal varieties. They have a highly reliable safety record, and are particularly useful because they allow hospital staff to closely observe and monitor patients during decompression.

A multiplace chamber can hold more people, and has advanced monitoring capabilities. Many have more than one airlock that allows the room to be completely sealed. Pure oxygen is not piped in generally, but is given to patients individually using a mask or hood, or sometimes through an endotracheal tube. Not filling the entire space with pure oxygen reduces accidental fires. Several people with differing levels of trouble can be treated at one time.

The same type of device is used by many hospitals to help patients with difficulty healing normally. Time spent in a hyperbaric chamber assists those suffering from open diabetic wounds, those with burns and subsequent skin grafts, and individuals who have an injury sustained from being crushed as well as those undergoing intensive chemotherapy. Measurable oxygen levels in the blood are significantly raised.

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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