Making Sense of Hyperbaric Chambers
Although hopefully you’ll never need to use one, here we’ll explain exactly what hyperbaric chambers are and how they work.
By Juanita Pienaar Health Aug 13, 2018
We’ve all heard the words “in the unlikely event of an accident,” during a dive briefing and seldom give it a second thought. We don’t typically consider an unplanned trip to a recompression chamber when planning a dive vacation. And although hopefully you’ll never have to use one, here we’ll offer some information on hyperbaric chambers, how they work and what to expect if an unexpected event occurs.
Hyperbaric chambers – what exactly are they?
Hyperbaric chambers are tiny rooms — capsules, really. They’re large enough to hold two or more people at a time depending on the facility. The chamber is sealed while the pressure inside the chamber as well as the oxygen content slowly increases. It’s possible to attain and keep different ambient pressures inside the chamber to simulate the body’s experience at depth.
As we know, when we’re underwater the higher ambient pressure means our body tissues are absorbing more nitrogen. Upon surfacing, the pressure around a diver’s body decreases drastically, which leads to the evacuation of the absorbed nitrogen. While other factors can put divers at higher risk of getting decompression illness, it usually happens when a diver either stays too deep for too long (absorbing more nitrogen) or ascends too quickly (resulting in an accelerated release of nitrogen). When nitrogen moves out of a diver’s cells too quickly it forms expanding bubbles. This can lead to DCI symptoms and likely a trip to a hyperbaric chamber.
The chamber works by simulating a higher ambient pressure, which recompresses the nitrogen bubbles. The pressure slowly decreases, simulating a very slow ascent, which allows a diver’s tissues to slow degas the nitrogen. Simultaneously, the partial pressure of oxygen in the body tissues increases. This is called hyperbaric oxygen therapy, wherein a higher blood-oxygen content speeds the healing of body cells. Basically, the body heals more efficiently when exposed to higher concentrations of oxygen.
Decompression chambers vs. recompression chambers
We can categorize hyperbaric chambers into two types in relation to scuba divers: decompression chambers and recompression chambers. Recompression chambers treat DCI in scuba divers, as well as preventing it in certain cases.
We use decompression chambers for surface-supplied divers, usually commercial divers who spend lots of time underwater. The chamber allows the divers to decompress out of the water instead of making long decompression stops while submerged. Decompression chambers can be either in the water or, more commonly, on land.
So, where is the closest chamber?
Ask the staff at the dive center in your destination and it’s not uncommon to hear that the closest hyperbaric chamber is at least a couple of hours’ flight away. Regardless, it’s important to make sure you know the location of the closest hyperbaric chamber. You should know approximately how long it would take to get there, and whether there is ample emergency oxygen for the trip.
Speaking to the dive center about their emergency plans will not only prepare you in the unfortunate event of a dive emergency but will also give you some insight into their safety procedures.
I have to go to a chamber — now what?
Amir Hadanny from the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research and his colleagues found that between 76 and 78 percent of patients who were treated for DCI in a hyperbaric chamber recovered fully. Late recompression (48 hours or longer after the accident occurred) showed to be nearly as effective as immediate treatment, especially if the treatment was based on the U.S. Navy Table 6. However, timely treatment of DCI is vital to decrease the size of the nitrogen bubbles and avoid any additional injury.
Treatment takes at least a few hours. If the chamber is using the U.S. Navy Table 6, patients will be compressed to a depth of 59 feet (18 m) while breathing oxygen, then slowly decompressed to 29 feet (9 m), eventually reaching surface pressure. This procedure usually takes around 4 hours and 45 minutes.
Treatment might span a number of days with the longest session on the first day. Treatment will continue until the patient reaches a ‘treatment plateau’ and shows no symptoms between treatments.
Once treatment ends, the medical professional will advise the diver on when s/he can dive again. Divers should make sure to get medical clearance before returning to the water.
The importance of dive insurance
The cost of hyperbaric treatment including hospital bills, doctors’ fees and transportation to the facility (often with a helicopter) can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars. Having good dive insurance, such as DAN, is absolutely vital. Dive insurance companies offer a variety of plans. These range from cover for a few days to yearly and even lifetime coverage. It is definitely worth investing in comprehensive dive emergency coverage for your next dive trip.
According to DAN, injuries sustained by the accumulation of a number of small bubbles can cause as much damage as a car accident. If you suspect that you have DCI, do not delay treatment. Start breathing 100 percent oxygen and contact your medical professional or dive-insurance company immediately to assist a speedy transfer to the nearest hyperbaric chamber. Cutting your holiday short is a small price to pay for a continued lifetime of diving.
Is Scuba Diving the Same as a Hyperbaric Chamber?
Scuba diving and hyperbaric chambers are two different forms of underwater breathing apparatus. Scuba diving involves the use of a regulator and tank to breathe underwater, while a hyperbaric chamber is a pressurized room filled with oxygen. Both methods allow divers to explore the depths of the ocean, but they do so in very different ways.
Scuba diving is a popular activity for exploring and enjoying the underwater world. It involves using specialized equipment, such as a regulator, buoyancy control device, weight belt, and tank, to safely breathe underwater for extended periods of time.
Through this equipment, divers can explore depths of up to 130 feet or more, depending on their certification level. Scuba diving is considered a safe activity due to the requirement of certification and proper training in order to operate safely.
In contrast, hyperbaric chambers are pressurized rooms filled with pure oxygen that are utilized to help individuals suffering from decompression sickness (DCS). This condition can occur when divers ascend too quickly, and the high-pressure environment of a hyperbaric chamber can assist in reducing the nitrogen levels in their bloodstream and prevent further harm from DCS.
While hyperbaric chambers can be used recreationally, they tend to be more expensive than traditional scuba gear, making them less accessible for most recreational divers.
In conclusion, while both scuba diving and hyperbaric chambers provide unique opportunities to explore the depths of the ocean, they have distinct differences that make them suitable for different purposes. Scuba diving is more accessible and affordable, while hyperbaric chambers offer an additional level of safety for dealing with decompression sickness. It is ultimately up to the individual to decide which form of underwater exploration best fits their needs and budget.
9 Related Question Answers Found
Is Deep Sea Diving the Same as Scuba Diving?
Deep sea diving and scuba diving are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different types of underwater activities. Deep sea diving involves the use of specialized surface-supplied systems, such as a helmet and an umbilical cord, that provide an air supply from a support ship on the surface. This type of diving is typically done for professional or scientific purposes, such as exploring sunken ships or searching for oil deposits.
Is Deep Sea Diving Same as Scuba Diving?
Deep sea diving and scuba diving are common terms that get used interchangeably, but they are actually two distinct activities. Scuba diving involves the use of a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA), which allows the diver to stay underwater for extended periods of time. Deep sea diving is a more extreme form of diving that requires specialized equipment and training due to the depths and pressures involved.
Is Scuba Diving Same as Deep Sea Diving?
Scuba diving and deep sea diving are two different types of underwater activities. While they both involve descending underwater, there are several key differences between the two that make them distinct. Scuba diving is an activity where a diver uses a scuba tank and regulator to breathe while exploring the undersea world.
Is Scuba Diving the Same as Deep Diving?
Scuba diving and deep diving are two very different activities, although they can have some similarities. Scuba diving is a recreational activity that involves wearing a diving suit with an oxygen tank, and exploring underwater environments. Scuba divers usually stay relatively close to the surface, never going below 30 meters (100 feet).
Is Scuba Diving the Same as Deep Sea Diving?
Scuba diving and deep sea diving are two different activities, but they have some similarities. Scuba diving involves using a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA). This allows divers to breathe underwater for prolonged periods of time.
Is Scuba Diving Like Snorkeling?
Scuba diving and snorkeling are two activities that are often confused for one another, but there are some significant differences between them. Both involve exploring the underwater environment, but they require different equipment and provide different experiences. The enjoyable activity of snorkeling does not require any specialized gear; a diving mask, snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit or swimsuit are all that is necessary.
Can Capillaries Burst Scuba Diving?
Capillaries are very small blood vessels that are found throughout the body, including in the skin. They transport oxygen and nutrients to cells, and remove waste products from them. The walls of capillaries are very thin and delicate, which makes them vulnerable to injury from pressure or trauma.
Is Scuba Diving Deep Sea?
Scuba diving is an exciting and thrilling activity that can take you on a journey to explore the depths of the ocean. It is an activity that can be enjoyed by both beginners and experienced divers alike. It allows you to explore the mysterious world beneath the sea and discover its hidden secrets.
What Is Considered Deep for Scuba Diving?
Deep sea diving is a thrilling and exciting activity, but it can be very dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. You need to be sure that you understand what is considered deep for scuba diving and the risks associated with going too deep. The depth limit for recreational scuba divers is usually set at 130 feet (40 meters).
Michael Allen
Hello, I’m Michael. As the guiding force behind TrickyFish, I merge expertise with passion, providing insights into the ocean’s depths and wonders. Join me for a profound exploration of all things marine. You can follow me at: my Instagram.
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