The family of a 5-year-old boy tragically killed in a hyperbaric chamber explosion at a healthcare facility in Oakland County, Michigan has secured legal representation. The incident occurred on January 31, 2025, at the Oxford Center in Troy, where the boy was undergoing treatment—an unfortunate event that also resulted in injuries to his mother.
Fieger Law, based in Michigan, has been retained by the family, although no lawsuit has yet been filed. Managing Partner James Harrington expressed deep sympathy for the family, emphasizing the catastrophic nature of the event. He stated, “This is an unimaginable tragedy, and our hearts are with the family as they navigate this immeasurable loss.” Harrington underscored the importance of child safety and raised serious questions about the regulations surrounding hyperbaric chambers.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is generally used to treat specific medical conditions such as diving injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning, and diabetic foot ulcers, among others. While the FDA has approved hyperbaric treatments for only 13 specific disorders, the Oxford Center website claims to treat over 100 conditions. This discrepancy raises concerns about the legitimacy of claims made by some facilities regarding the efficacy and safety of HBOT.
According to the FDA, instances of explosions and fires have primarily occurred in unaccredited facilities, leading to strong recommendations for patients to seek treatment only at accredited centers. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) has accredited only two hyperbaric facilities in Michigan, located in Grand Rapids and Niles. Notably, the Oxford Center, which has been operating since 2008, is not among them.
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has indicated that there are currently no licensing requirements for hyperbaric oxygen facilities in the state. Consequently, the facility is now closed while investigations continue.
In a statement, the Oxford Center expressed its commitment to safety, noting, “The safety and well-being of the children we serve is our highest priority. Nothing like this has happened in our more than 15 years of providing this type of therapy.” They have pledged to cooperate fully with all investigations into the incident.
As this incredibly sad situation unfolds, it is crucial for healthcare providers to critically examine the safety protocols associated with hyperbaric treatment. This incident serves as a reminder of the paramount importance of stringent regulations and oversight in healthcare facilities to ensure patient safety. The hope is that through rigorous investigation and potential reforms, such tragedies can be prevented in the future.