Key Takeaways
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing concentrated oxygen in a highly pressurized enclosure.
- While HBOT can be safe and effective when provided by trained and licensed physicians and nurses in medical facilities, it is increasingly being made available in wellness businesses and non-medical settings, where the risk of accidents and injuries is higher.
- The use of HBOT in non-medical settings has led to several deaths and injuries, including the death of a 5-year-old boy who was killed in a fire during an HBOT session.
- Experts warn that the proliferation of HBOT in non-medical settings poses a significant risk to public safety and that stronger regulation is needed to ensure that HBOT is provided safely and effectively.
Introduction to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing concentrated oxygen in a highly pressurized enclosure. HBOT is prescribed by doctors for a handful of conditions, including severe burns, non-healing wounds, and radiation injury. When provided by trained and licensed physicians and nurses in medical facilities, HBOT is safe and effective. However, the use of HBOT in non-medical settings, such as wellness businesses and private homes, poses a significant risk to public safety.
The Risks of HBOT in Non-Medical Settings
The use of HBOT in non-medical settings is a growing concern, as it can lead to accidents and injuries. In one tragic case, a 5-year-old boy named Thomas Cooper was killed in a fire during an HBOT session at a wellness center in Michigan. The incident highlighted the risks of HBOT in non-medical settings, where the staff may not have the necessary training or expertise to provide safe and effective treatment. Experts warn that the proliferation of HBOT in non-medical settings poses a significant risk to public safety and that stronger regulation is needed to ensure that HBOT is provided safely and effectively.
The Lack of Regulation
The lack of regulation in the HBOT industry is a major concern. While the FDA regulates medical devices, including HBOT chambers, and medical-grade oxygen, it has not taken an active oversight role in ensuring that HBOT is provided safely and effectively. Laws regulating med spas, health clubs, and wellness businesses vary by state, but generally, they are not overseen with the same thoroughness as healthcare. Experts warn that the lack of regulation has created a "wild west" environment, where anyone can set up an HBOT business without proper training or expertise.
The Importance of Accreditation
Experts stress the importance of accreditation in ensuring that HBOT is provided safely and effectively. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) is the main accrediting organization for HBOT facilities, and it has a rigorous process for evaluating the safety and effectiveness of HBOT treatment. However, not all HBOT facilities are accredited by UHMS, and some may not meet the necessary safety standards. Experts warn that patients should only receive HBOT treatment from accredited facilities and that they should ask questions about the safety and effectiveness of the treatment before undergoing it.
The Role of Celebrities and Influencers
Celebrities and influencers have played a significant role in promoting HBOT as a wellness treatment. However, experts warn that this promotion can be misleading and that HBOT is not a miracle cure for all ailments. While some celebrities and influencers may have had positive experiences with HBOT, others may be promoting it without proper understanding of the treatment or its risks. Experts stress the importance of seeking medical advice from qualified healthcare professionals before undergoing HBOT treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while HBOT can be a safe and effective treatment when provided by trained and licensed physicians and nurses in medical facilities, its use in non-medical settings poses a significant risk to public safety. The lack of regulation in the HBOT industry has created a "wild west" environment, where anyone can set up an HBOT business without proper training or expertise. Experts stress the importance of accreditation, proper training, and medical supervision in ensuring that HBOT is provided safely and effectively. Patients should only receive HBOT treatment from accredited facilities and should ask questions about the safety and effectiveness of the treatment before undergoing it.
