CHT Hyperbaric Chamber Emergency Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a hyperbaric treatment, a patient suddenly becomes unresponsive. What is the FIRST action the operator should take?
- Immediately decompress the chamber at maximum rate
- Notify the attending physician and initiate emergency communication (Correct answer)
- Open the chamber door regardless of current pressure
- Administer 100% oxygen via mask inside the chamber
Correct answer: Notify the attending physician and initiate emergency communication
The first action is to notify the attending physician and initiate emergency communication so medical personnel can direct the response.
Question 2: A fire is detected inside a multiplace hyperbaric chamber. After activating the fire suppression system, what is the next priority?
- Continue treatment and monitor the fire
- Begin controlled emergency decompression following established protocols (Correct answer)
- Immediately bring the chamber to surface pressure as fast as possible
- Seal all vents to prevent oxygen from feeding the fire
Correct answer: Begin controlled emergency decompression following established protocols
After activating fire suppression, controlled emergency decompression following established protocols balances patient safety with decompression sickness risk.
Question 3: Which condition would require IMMEDIATE emergency decompression of a hyperbaric chamber?
- Patient reports ear discomfort during descent
- Uncontrolled fire inside the chamber that cannot be extinguished (Correct answer)
- Patient experiences mild nausea at treatment depth
- External power failure with backup generator activation
Correct answer: Uncontrolled fire inside the chamber that cannot be extinguished
An uncontrolled fire inside the chamber that cannot be extinguished is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate evacuation via emergency decompression.
Question 4: What is the maximum rate of emergency ascent typically permitted in a monoplace hyperbaric chamber to minimize decompression sickness risk?
- 1 psi per minute
- 3 psi per minute (Correct answer)
- As fast as mechanically possible
- No faster than the normal treatment ascent rate
Correct answer: 3 psi per minute
Emergency ascent in monoplace chambers is typically limited to approximately 3 psi per minute to reduce decompression sickness risk even in emergencies.
Question 5: A hyperbaric chamber technician notices a significant oxygen leak during a treatment session. What should be done FIRST?
- Shut off all electrical equipment inside and outside the chamber (Correct answer)
- Increase ventilation to dilute the oxygen concentration
- Evacuate the facility immediately
- Continue treatment while monitoring oxygen levels
Correct answer: Shut off all electrical equipment inside and outside the chamber
Eliminating ignition sources by shutting off electrical equipment is the first priority when an oxygen leak is detected to prevent fire or explosion.
Question 6: During hyperbaric treatment, a patient inside a monoplace chamber reports chest pain and shortness of breath. The technician should:
- Reassure the patient and continue treatment
- Immediately begin emergency decompression and alert medical staff (Correct answer)
- Switch the patient from 100% O2 to air breaks
- Document the complaint and notify the physician at the end of treatment
Correct answer: Immediately begin emergency decompression and alert medical staff
Chest pain and shortness of breath may indicate a cardiac or pulmonary event requiring immediate emergency decompression and medical attention.
Question 7: Which of the following is a recognized sign of oxygen toxicity CNS seizure in a hyperbaric patient?
- Gradual onset of fatigue and drowsiness
- Tonic-clonic convulsions (Correct answer)
- Complaint of ear fullness and discomfort
- Slow, deep breathing pattern
Correct answer: Tonic-clonic convulsions
CNS oxygen toxicity presents with tonic-clonic (grand mal) convulsions, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate action.
CHT Hyperbaric Chamber Emergency Procedures 2
During a hyperbaric treatment, a patient suddenly becomes unresponsive.
What is the FIRST action the operator should take?