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.
While there are still some metal cylinders being used, most modern units are made of acrylics, and often closely resemble a treatment room at a hospital. In order to fend off patient boredom, many new facilities contain entertainment systems to pass the time. They are also built to the most stringent fire suppression standards, and are generally computer controlled. In all cases, patient comfort is emphasized.
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.
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 the rooms must always be ready for an emergency, unscheduled down-time is not an option. Service businesses currently exist that not only design and sell this type of facility, but also help maintain them afterward during real-time use. There is an emphasis on reliable, rapid deployment of technicians during a failure, and new computer diagnostic software discovers developing problems from a distance.
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.
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.
While there are still some metal cylinders being used, most modern units are made of acrylics, and often closely resemble a treatment room at a hospital. In order to fend off patient boredom, many new facilities contain entertainment systems to pass the time. They are also built to the most stringent fire suppression standards, and are generally computer controlled. In all cases, patient comfort is emphasized.
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.
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 the rooms must always be ready for an emergency, unscheduled down-time is not an option. Service businesses currently exist that not only design and sell this type of facility, but also help maintain them afterward during real-time use. There is an emphasis on reliable, rapid deployment of technicians during a failure, and new computer diagnostic software discovers developing problems from a distance.
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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