Hyperbaric Medicine

The Hyperbaric Medicine Service (HBO)

Our program is currently the only clinical hyperbaric medicine service in the U.S. Army. The hyperbaric medicine service is managed and supervised by a physician who is trained in hyperbaric medicine. The service is also staffed by a nurse and technicians trained in the medical, physical, and mechanical aspects of hyperbaric medicine.

Outpatient and Inpatient Care

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on the patient’s requirements. Routine referrals are available Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and emergencies 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Accepted Indications: Approved Uses

• Air or gas embolism
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Clostridial myonecrosis (gas gangrene)
• Crush injury, compartment syndrome, and other acute traumatic ischemias
• Decompression sickness (The Bends)
• Enhancement of healing in selected problem wounds
• Exceptional blood loss (anemia)
• Intracranial abscess
• Necrotizing soft tissue infections (subcutaneous tissue, muscle, fascia)
• Osteomyelitis (refractory)
• Radiation tissue damage (osteoradionecrosis)
• Skin grafts and flaps (compromised)
• Thermal burns

Consultation Procedures

Patients are seen in consultation upon referral from their attending physician. Patients may be referred to our department for treatment if eligible for care in a military or VA facility.
Civilian patients with life or limb threatening conditions may also be accepted for treatment. Referred patients remain under the primary care of their attending physician. We specialize in the use of hyperbaric oxygen to enhance wound healing in selected problem wounds.

The Chamber

Our chamber is a dual lock multiplace chamber capable of treating up to 12 patients simultaneously. All treatments are staffed by inside medical attendants and monitored by a hyperbaric physician by means of video, audio communications, and direct visualization.