Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Wound Care

Conveniently located near the Emergency Center at Baptist Medical Center, the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy center provides treatment for urgent conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning and decompression sickness. In conjunction with the Wound Care Institute, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is used to promote healing in chronic non-healing wounds.

Wound Care Institute
The Wound Care Institute offers comprehensive care including surgical intervention, support and specialty equipment for patients with chronic non-healing wounds. Wound Care features collaboration among:

• podiatrists
• vascular surgeons
• general surgeons
• plastic reconstructive surgeons
• orthopaedists

These specialists along with our highly trained staff, provide comprehensive care and state-of-the-art technology to improve the health of our patients, many of whom are diabetic or have been diagnosed with venous stasis disease, collagen vascular disease, ischemic ulcers or pressure ulcers resulting from friction and immobilization. Care of chronic wounds is available on an inpatient or an outpatient basis.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Over 45,650 patient treatments have been received since October 1989 when the Hyperbaric Oxygen chamber began operation at Baptist Hospital Downtown. The chamber holds up to seven patients and one medical staff member and is the only hospital based multi-place chamber in NE Florida. The larger capacity allows for the simultaneous treatment of patients, which is vital in emergencies such as carbon monoxide poisoning of all the occupants of a home.

During hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the patient breathes 100% oxygen inside a pressurized chamber for short periods of time. The body receives high concentrations of oxygen to the bloodstream. This concentrated oxygen speeds up the healing rate of wounds and helps fight infection. The treatment also encourages the growth of new blood vessels. This helps improve circulation and can help prevent future problems.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions including:

• Air or gas embolisms
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Crush Injuries
• Cyanide poisoning
• Decompression sickness ("the bends")
• Gas gangrene
• Necrotizing soft tissue infections
• Osteomyelitis (refractory)
• Radiation tissue damage
• Skin grafts and flaps
• Wound Care - enhancement of healing in selected problem wounds

Physicians trained in Hyperbaric Medicine staff the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy center and work under the leadership of David Webster, MD, Medical Director.

Getting Ready for Your Visit
This special treatment can be very helpful but you must understand the process and be committed to following the specific guidelines very carefully. If you have any questions, we encourage you to talk with your doctor or our staff.

For your safety, there are certain items not allowed inside the hyperbaric chamber. Please do not wear or bring the following into the chamber:

• Makeup
• Perfume or aftershave
• Hair spray / hair oils
• Wigs / hairpieces
• Nail polish
• Alcohol or petroleum-based products
• Metallic items (like jewelry, watches and coins)
• Flammable materials
• Hearing aids

Ask your hyperbaric doctor whether you should wear contact lenses during treatment. Please do not smoke or use any tobacco products over the entire course of therapy. Tobacco affects the blood vessels in your body and will prolong or even prevent healing of a wound site.

When You Arrive
When you arrive, we give you complete instructions about your treatment and ask you to change your clothes. We will give you a 100% cotton garment. You may wear 100% cotton clothing from home as long as it is not soiled and the manufacturer's tag is readable.

What to Expect
Depending on your condition, you will lie or sit inside the chamber. Once you are comfortable, the pressure will slowly increase and the temperature will temporarily rise. When we reach the right pressure, the temperature will be adjusted to your comfort. You may feel fullness in your ears because of the increased pressure. Our technician will tell you some ways to help clear the pressure and relieve discomfort.

If You are Sick or on Medication
Let us know immediately if you have a cold or cough, the flu, sore throat, chills, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. We also need to know about any medications you are taking or change in medication during the course of your treatment.

If you are diabetic, eat properly and continue to take your prescribed medication to control your blood sugar level. We will check your blood sugar level during each visit.

The Possibility of Side Effects
The most common side effect is ear pressure. During treatment, if you feel any discomfort or pain, please let the nurse know. You may notice some changes in your vision. However, this usually does not happen until you have had 20 treatments or more. Changes are temporary and your vision should return to normal a few weeks after therapy. Our doctors recommend that you not change the prescription of your eyewear during the course of your therapy.

Some patients feel tired during treatment. This is completely normal. Your doctor will go over possible side effects during your initial visit.

Additional Information

• You may drive yourself to Baptist Medical Center for Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy.



• Please allow up to two-and-one-half hours for each visit. If you cannot keep your appointment, please give us a two-hour notice. This allows other patients to start their treatment on time.



• Medicare and most health care plans reimburse for Hyperabic Oxygen therapy for "currently accepted indications". Our staff is available to help you with insurance issues.