It is sometimes therapeutically necessary to breathe oxygen that has been pressurized from one and one-half to three times its state under normal atmospheric conditions. First used as a method of preventing deep-water divers from experiencing the agony of decompression sickness, commonly called the bends, this treatment has become common for people who need specific types of medical attention. Hyperbaric facility upgrading improves existing hospital systems for both patients and staff.

Patients enter and remains inside a type of chamber during compression. Normal air is composed of 21% oxygen, and there are somewhat limited benefits to simply breathing a pure mixture. The most medically significant results can be produced by providing a pure form of oxygen that is also under pressure, which measurably increases the amount of that gas present in the bloodstream.

For many patients, the outcome is faster and more extensive blood vessel formation, more consistent control of infection, reduced toxicity of some poisons, faster healing of resistant open wounds, and reduced tissue deterioration. Increasing the amount of oxygen delivered throughout the body decreases the probability of obstructions caused by gas bubbles, and encourages thorough healing. Treatments may be as few as two, or may take place daily.

The injuries and illnesses helped by this type of therapy not only include those related to decompression, but also involve stubborn sores common to diabetic people, injuries sustained by crushing, gangrene that threatens to spread, and the damage caused by cancer radiation treatments. People who have suffered extensive burns and grafting heal more rapidly, and carbon monoxide poisoning victims also benefit.

These kinds of facilities are housed primarily in hospitals, and usually consist of small rooms that hold one person, as well as larger chambers that can accommodate up to a dozen. Monoplace chambers are used for individual treatments, and are sometimes made of large, plastic tubes. Sessions may take up to an hour, during which time the patient reclines inside. Most side effects involve ear-popping caused by changing pressure.

The duration and amount of pressure depends primarily on the diagnosis, and positive patient response to previous oxygen therapy. Some may need to spend time in a chamber on a daily basis, while others may need fewer treatments. In most cases the procedure is considered extremely safe, but may cause problems for patients who have upper respiratory infections or other types of counter-indications.

Inspections takes place on a regular basis in order to review current operations. Often performed by medical consultants, the equipment itself is analyzed during operation, and staff members are asked to present existing issues or problems. Logs of necessary maintenance and operation often define where those improvements are necessary, and whether equipment needs replacing.

Upgrading to state-of-the-art equipment benefits both patients and staff. Not only does an improved facility provide better care, but is important for hospital administrators controlling the financial bottom line. Consultants can provide solid statistics that reveal cost savings compared to the amount needed to invest in improvements. Installation of improved equipment is coordinated to prevent any interruption in patient scheduling.