A tragic incident in Arizona on 11 July has ignited some public debate and concerns around the safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. A physical therapist died following a flash fire inside a hyperbaric chamber at a health and wellness clinic in Lake Havasu City, which was not a medical-grade hyperbaric therapy facility. This is the second such fatality reported in the United States this year. In a similar case, a 5-year-old boy died in February when an oxygen-rich chamber exploded at a Michigan clinic.

Approved facilities

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medically approved treatment for a number of serious conditions, including carbon monoxide poisoning, gas embolism, and decompression sickness. Facilities offering such treatment to divers are operated under rigorous protocols by hospitals, military institutions, or other accredited providers. These units adhere to strict safety regulations regarding oxygen handling, chamber maintenance, fire suppression, and staff training.

Seek medical attention

While divers may feel uneasy following these recent incidents, there is no reason for concern when seeking treatment at a certified hyperbaric facility. Decompression sickness (DCS) is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring timely intervention. Approved recompression chambers remain the gold standard for treatment and operate under stringent safety and medical guidelines.

As the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) notes, “hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivered in properly maintained and certified facilities is safe and effective.” Divers experiencing symptoms of DCS—such as joint pain, dizziness, or difficulty breathing—should never hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.