Hyperbaric Chamber Emergency Procedures Flashcards
7 cards from real CHT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Hyperbaric Chamber Emergency Procedures flashcards as text
During a hyperbaric treatment, the chamber's oxygen supply system fails. Which action should the operator take FIRST?
Answer: Switch to the backup oxygen supply and notify the supervising physician
Switching to the backup oxygen supply maintains treatment continuity while the physician is notified to determine the appropriate course of action.
What is the primary hazard of using petroleum-based lubricants on hyperbaric chamber fittings used with oxygen systems?
Answer: They can ignite spontaneously in an oxygen-enriched environment
Petroleum-based lubricants can ignite spontaneously or at very low temperatures in oxygen-enriched environments, creating a serious fire hazard.
A hyperbaric technician observes that the chamber's CO2 scrubber is saturated and failing during a treatment. What is the primary danger?
Answer: CO2 accumulation leading to hypercapnia in the patient
A failing CO2 scrubber allows carbon dioxide to accumulate, causing hypercapnia which can lead to respiratory distress, unconsciousness, and death.
Which of the following items is PROHIBITED inside a hyperbaric chamber due to fire hazard risk?
Answer: Acrylic blankets and synthetic fabrics
Synthetic and acrylic fabrics generate static electricity and are flammable in oxygen-enriched environments, making them prohibited inside hyperbaric chambers.
What should a hyperbaric operator do if a patient cannot equalize pressure during descent and reports severe ear pain?
Answer: Stop descent, ascend slightly, and allow the patient to equalize before continuing
Ascending slightly reduces the pressure differential, giving the patient the opportunity to equalize the middle ear before continuing descent.
In an emergency requiring rapid egress from a multiplace hyperbaric chamber at depth, patients should be:
Answer: Kept inside until full decompression is complete unless fire threatens life
Patients should remain inside for controlled decompression unless an immediately life-threatening hazard such as uncontrollable fire makes staying more dangerous.
A hyperbaric facility experiences a complete loss of power during treatment. What system must activate automatically to ensure patient safety?
Answer: An emergency backup generator powering critical chamber systems
An emergency backup generator must automatically activate to maintain power to critical chamber systems including lighting, communications, and control systems.