Hyperbaric Chambers

Hyperbaric Chambers

 A hyperbaric chamber is a medical device in which oxygen is administered to the patient at high pressures – higher than atmospheric pressure.  The original use of the hyperbaric chamber was to treat decompression sickness, also known as the Bends or Caisson disease, in scuba divers, but the device is also used for medical reasons including significant blood loss, strokes, skin grafts, cancer treatments, radiation treatments, Lyme disease and much more.

In divers, treatment in the hyperbaric chamber works by reducing the size of the bubbles that have formed in the bloodstream, while the intense oxygen levels stimulate the body tissue and prevent it from dying.  The sooner a diver can get to a chamber, the better.

Decompression sickness is usually caused by a scuba diver ascending too quickly from a significant depth.  It can also be caused by scuba diving before flying.  When on a diving holiday, divers should take their last dive at least 24 hours before taking the flight home as the severe change in air pressure can cause the Bends.  Diving at high altitude can also cause DCS, but this can be prevented by referring to the special altitude dive tables.

Scuba divers should be aware of where the closest hyperbaric chamber is when they are diving.  In the Maldives, there are three hyperbaric chambers:

Bandos Medical Clinic and Hyperbaric Centre, Bandos Island Resort, North Male Atoll

Telephone + 960 440 088

Kuramathi Medical Centre, Kuramathi Island Resort, Alifu Alifu Atoll

Telephone + 960 773 485

Kandoludhoo Divers Rescue, Kandoludhoo Island Resort, South Ari Atoll

Telephone + 960 773 485