Hyperbaric Chamber Technician

About the Role:

The Hyperbaric Chamber Technician is responsible for assisting with the safe and efficient operation of the hyperbaric oxygen therapy program. The technician prepares patients for treatment, operates and monitors hyperbaric equipment within the scope of training and facility policy, maintains required safety procedures and documentation, and works under the direction of the appropriate licensed clinical provider.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; completion of a hyperbaric technology certification program is mandatory.
• Basic understanding of hyperbaric oxygen therapy principles and safety protocols.
• Experience operating hyperbaric chambers or similar medical equipment in a clinical or healthcare setting.
• Ability to follow detailed technical instructions and safety guidelines precisely.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with patients and healthcare professionals.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Previous healthcare, EMT, medical assistant, patient-care, military medicine, diving medicine, or hyperbaric experience is preferred. The employee must complete facility-required hyperbaric safety and equipment training before independently performing assigned chamber responsibilities.
• Currrent BLS/CPR Certification 
• Must be able to assist patients with transfers and positionisng; stand, walk, bend, reach and perform repetative tasks.
• Respond promptly during emergency situations and work in the physical environment assosciate with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.  

Safety Responsibilities:

Because hyperbaric environments preset increased fire and pressure-replated reisks, the employee is expected to strictly follow all facility hyperbaric safety policies, prohibited-item procedures, emergency protocols, equipment requirements, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standard.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare patients and the hyperbaric chamber for scheduled treatments.
• Verify that required pre-treatment safety checks have been completed.
• Review patients for prohibited items and potential fire-safety hazards before chamber entry.
• Explain treatment procedures and chamber safety requirements to patients.
• Assist patients with entering, positioning in, and exiting the chamber.
• Operate hyperbaric chamber equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions, facility policies, and applicable safety requirements.
• Continuously monitor patients and chamber conditions during treatment.
• Maintain communication with patients throughout treatment and promptly report changes in patient condition to the supervising clinical provider.
• Follow established procedures for compression, treatment, decompression, and emergency situations.
• Recognize potential complications associated with hyperbaric treatment and immediately notify appropriate clinical personnel.
• Follow facility emergency procedures, including procedures for fire, equipment malfunction, patient distress, and emergency decompression.
• Complete required treatment records, safety checklists, equipment logs, and other documentation.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and report malfunctions or maintenance concerns.
• Maintain cleanliness and readiness of the chamber and treatment area.
• Follow infection-control procedures.
• Maintain strict compliance with hyperbaric fire-safety requirements.
• Protect patient privacy and comply with HIPAA and facility confidentiality policies.
• Participate in required safety drills, competency assessments, continuing education, and equipment training.
• Work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, wound-care personnel, and other members of the clinical team.
• Perform other duties related to the hyperbaric program as assigned and within the employee's training and authorized scope.

Skills:

The Hyperbaric Chamber Technician utilizes technical skills daily to operate and maintain complex hyperbaric equipment, ensuring treatments are delivered safely and effectively. Attention to detail is critical when monitoring chamber conditions and patient status to prevent any safety risks. Strong communication skills are essential for educating patients about procedures and collaborating with medical staff. Problem-solving abilities are frequently applied to troubleshoot equipment issues or respond to emergencies promptly. Additionally, organizational skills support accurate documentation and adherence to regulatory compliance in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Supervision / Scope of Practice

The Hyperbaric Chamber Technician does not independently diagnose patients, prescribe treatment, modify a physician's treatment order, or perform clinical activities outside the individual's licensure, certification, training, or facility-authorized scope of practice. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is provided pursuant to appropriate medical orders and clinical supervision.