The Hyperbaric Chamber
The main hyperbaric chamber at Brooks is a large cylinder, 10 feet in
diameter and 24 feet long! During a treatment dive, compressed air is added to the inside
of the chamber until the pressure reaches about 2.4 times that found at sea level. This
pressure is the same as that experienced by a scuba diver 45 feet under the surface of the
ocean, and is why we refer to the treatment as a dive.
The chamber is equipped with an oxygen humidification delivery system for the treatment
hoods, and can accommodate plain chairs, wheel chairs, and hospital gurneys. There are six
glass port-holes for visual observation of the outside world - one of which contains a TV
set! There is an intercom system to permit communications with the chamber operator, and a
pass-through "lock" to permit delivery of food, medications, and supplies,
should they be needed during a treatment. At the end of the dive, the extra air is slowly
released from the chamber, returning the pressure to normal, and ending the dive.
Though snacks and beverages are available inside the chamber, bathroom facilities are
limited to bedpans, urinals, and commode-chairs. Taking care of business before the dive
is highly recommended.
Hyperbaric Chamber Staff
Our staff consists of specially trained physicians, nurses, technicians, and physiologists. We have all attended formal courses providing expertise in all aspects of hyperbaric medicine. While you are being treated in the chamber, there will always be a qualified attendant with you.