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.

Although metal is still used in certain models, most current chambers today are made of acrylics, and generally resemble a modern treatment room. In order to reduce boredom during long sessions spent inside, many are equipped with electronic entertainment centers. All employ the most advanced methods of preventing accidental fire, and most are computer controlled. Patient comfort is emphasized.

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.

The same type of pressurized chamber is widely used by many hospitals today to help those having problems healing normally. Hyperbaric chambers are used to aid those suffering from diabetic open wounds, people with severe burns requiring skin grafts or who have been accidentally crushed, or patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy. Breathing oxygen under pressure increases levels more efficiently.

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 specialized businesses not only keep their products operational, but may also provide targeted training for hospital operators and administrators in centers that replicate the latest procedures and equipment. Their goal is to significantly reduce the time necessary for routine service and upgrades, and to enable all locations using decompression to provide a high level of readiness.




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