A tragic incident occurred on Friday morning at the Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan, where a hyperbaric oxygen chamber exploded, resulting in the death of a 5-year-old patient from Royal Oak and injuring his mother. The explosion took place around 8 a.m. while the child was undergoing treatment inside the chamber that is designed to provide high-pressure oxygen therapy.
The child’s mother was nearby and suffered injuries to her arms during the explosion. Troy police Lt. Ben Hancock confirmed that the cause of the child’s treatment at the center has not been disclosed. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy serves various medical purposes, including treating decompression sickness and serious tissue injuries, as outlined by the Mayo Clinic.
According to Troy Fire Lt. Keith Young, hyperbaric chambers operate with 100% oxygen, which can significantly increase the risk of combustion in a pressurized environment. The explosion reportedly led to a fire that was contained within the chamber, and fortunately, staff members in the room escaped without injury.
The Oxford Center, which has been providing hyperbaric therapy for over 15 years, expressed deep sorrow over the incident in an email. They emphasized their commitment to the safety and wellbeing of their young patients and pledged cooperation with ongoing investigations to uncover the cause of this unprecedented event.
In light of this tragedy, it is essential for facilities utilizing high-pressure oxygen equipment to rigorously adhere to safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The investigation will now be handled by state authorities as they delve into the details surrounding the explosion.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with medical therapies and the importance of stringent safety measures in healthcare settings.