EMERGENCY INDICATIONS

Decompression illness. ('the bends')   More Info >>>>
HBO rapidly resolves the inert gas bubbles and provides oxygenation to ischemic and hypoxic tissues. There is no alternative therapy.

Air or gas embolus. - More Info >>>>
HBO decreases bubble size and increases the diffusion gradient of embolized gas. There is no alternative therapy.

Severe carbon monoxide poisoning - More Info >>>>
HBO hastens carboxyhaemoglobin dissociation and markedly reduces permanent neurological damage.

Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections - More Info >>>>
Recommended treatment is HBO, surgery and antibiotics. HBO reduces the need for amputations and brings rapid cessation of alpha-toxin production, which is a lethal complication of gas gangrene. HBO adversely affects bacterial growth by direct toxic mechanisms, while increasing white cell bacterial killing. Routine use of HBO can decrease mortality by two-thirds.

Clostridial myonecrosis. ('Gas gangrene') Case Study>>>>

Necrotizing fasciitis: Case Study>>>>

Crush injury and compartment syndrome. - More Info >>>>
HBO reduces edema and compartment pressures while increasing tissue oxygen delivery, reducing the need for surgical relief of elevated compartment pressures while preserving tissue.