A child’s tragic death prompts scrutiny of hyperbaric chamber safety practices in Michigan. The incident, which occurred at the Oxford Center in Troy, resulted in charges against the clinic’s founder and three employees. The 5-year-old victim, Thomas Cooper, lost his life in a fire that broke out during a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session.
Hyperbaric chambers, used for treatments involving pressurized oxygen, have come under increased attention following this devastating event. While the therapy is FDA-approved for specific conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning and severe wounds, the Oxford Center advertised treatment for over 100 conditions, including unapproved uses like cancer and autism.
The lack of oversight in Michigan regarding hyperbaric chamber operations has raised concerns about safety standards in the wellness industry. Attorney General Dana Nessel highlighted the absence of regulatory measures, noting that without probable cause, proactive inspections of facilities are not conducted.
Despite periodic fire department inspections, the focus has mainly been on fire and life safety, rather than specific equipment maintenance. Unlike hospitals that follow national codes for hyperbaric chamber usage, Michigan lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework for these devices. The tragic incident has underscored the need for stricter oversight to prevent future tragedies in the industry.
According to John Peters, the executive director of the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society, a nonprofit organization that accredits hospitals and freestanding facilities with hyperbaric chambers in the absence of government regulation, there are currently almost 150 accredited facilities nationwide, with two in Michigan. Accreditation involves onsite inspections to ensure equipment maintenance and proper training of specialists. The cost for accreditation, lasting three to four years, is approximately $10,000. Peters expressed concerns that many spas and wellness centers in the U.S. operate hyperbaric chambers without accreditation, potentially not meeting necessary standards.
Following a tragic incident involving a hyperbaric chamber in Michigan, Democratic legislators State Sen. Stephanie Chang and State Rep. Sharon MacDonell are collaborating on exploring regulatory options. They aim to address issues such as improper operation of equipment and businesses making unsubstantiated claims about the benefits of hyperbaric therapy. They plan to introduce legislation in the upcoming spring session to improve safety and prevent exploitation of vulnerable individuals seeking treatment.
The increased popularity of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, fueled by celebrity endorsements, has brought attention to the need for stricter regulations. The FDA cautions against unproven claims and advises patients to seek treatment only at accredited facilities. While hyperbaric chamber fires are rare, incidents like the 2009 tragedy in Florida highlight the importance of mandatory accreditation for safety.
Despite existing guidelines for construction and operation, there is a lack of consistent oversight at the federal, state, and local levels outside of hospitals. The FDA regulates certain hyperbaric chambers classified as Class II medical devices for diagnosis and treatment purposes but does not oversee medical practice. National safety regulations have not been implemented, but there is optimism that recent incidents will prompt change. Peters emphasized the urgent need for mandatory accreditation to ensure the safety and effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy practices.
Facilities, which are required to comply with local building and fire codes, are overseen by Brian O’Connor, a senior engineer at the National Fire Protection Association. The Joint Commission, a nonprofit organization that accredits over 24,000 health care programs worldwide, stated via email that it has emergency procedures and training drills for hospitals with hyperbaric chambers, but does not accredit facilities like the Oxford Center. In contrast, Michigan’s health department, occupational safety agency, and Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs all indicated that they do not have jurisdiction over hyperbaric chambers. The licensing agency noted that facilities using hyperbaric chambers are not mandated to obtain a license, which Peters found surprising. “Why?” he questioned. “Even a hairstylist needs a license, and she’s not at risk of causing a massive explosion in her salon.”
