A PATIENTS GUIDE TO HYPERBARIC MEDICINE AT BROOKS AIR FORCE BASE
Introduction
Welcome to the Davis Hyperbaric Laboratory at Brooks Air Force Base - the birthplace of modern Hyperbaric Medicine. This handout is designed to provide you with information concerning your scheduled hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment. We hope it will answer any questions you have and give you a general idea of what to expect during your oxygen therapy.
Hyperbaric Medicine & Facility
The Hyperbaric Medicine Division is located in building 160-W at Brooks City-Base, TX. This facility provides policy and expert guidance for the department of defense, education and consultation for military physicians and their patients, and HBO treatment if appropriate for referred patients. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Society has recognized HBO as effective therapy for 13 disorders. These indications include: osteomyelitis which doesn't respond adequately to standard treatment; certain non-healing skin ulcers; problem surgical wounds; skin grafts and flaps which may be in trouble. HBO is also the standard of care for patients who have received radiation to their head and neck, and are now facing additional head/neck/oral surgery.
Emergency conditions treated include: air or gas bubbles trapped in the blood stream (a possible surgical complication); carbon monoxide poisoning; decompression sickness; thermal burns; gas gangrene and other invasive skin infections; and crush injury or compartment syndrome.
What is Hyperbaric Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen is a medical treatment in which the patient breathes 100% oxygen while inside a chamber under pressure. This therapy is very helpful in the treatment of many medical and surgical problems. Except for the emergencies listed above, HBO is used as only one part of an overall treatment plan, including surgery, antibiotics, and other therapy.