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Health effects of hyperbaric exposure on chamber attendants: a literature review
Affiliations- ORPHY Laboratory, University Brest, Brest, France
- French Society for Maritime Medicine, Brest, France
- Military Hospital, Clermont-Tonnerre, Brest, France
open access
Abstract
Background: Inside attendants working in hyperbaric chambers are exposed to risks related to the hyperbaric environment, handling and care. The aim of this study is to review the literature focusing on the impact of this activity on health.
Materials and methods: This is a literature review using the Medline database.
Results: Eight articles studied decompression illness (DCI). The incidence of DCI ranged from 0 to 37 per 100,000 sessions in hyperbaric chambers (SHC). The incidence of injuries ranged from 0 to 412 per 100,000 SHC. The most prevalent cause of accidental death was fire: 77 deaths (patients and attendants) between 1923 and 1996. Dysbaric osteonecrosis has been reported in one study only.
Conclusions: Inside attendants face risks in the chamber, even if serious health effects seems rare compared to the total number of SHC.
Abstract
Background: Inside attendants working in hyperbaric chambers are exposed to risks related to the hyperbaric environment, handling and care. The aim of this study is to review the literature focusing on the impact of this activity on health.
Materials and methods: This is a literature review using the Medline database.
Results: Eight articles studied decompression illness (DCI). The incidence of DCI ranged from 0 to 37 per 100,000 sessions in hyperbaric chambers (SHC). The incidence of injuries ranged from 0 to 412 per 100,000 SHC. The most prevalent cause of accidental death was fire: 77 deaths (patients and attendants) between 1923 and 1996. Dysbaric osteonecrosis has been reported in one study only.
Conclusions: Inside attendants face risks in the chamber, even if serious health effects seems rare compared to the total number of SHC.
Keywords
hyperbaric chamber, inside attendant, occupational accidents [Mesh], occupational diseases [Mesh]
About this articleTitle
Health effects of hyperbaric exposure on chamber attendants: a literature review
Journal
Issue
Article type
Review article
Pages
58-62
Published online
2018-03-28
Page views
2749
Article views/downloads
2489
DOI
Pubmed
Bibliographic record
IMH 2018;69(1):58-62.
Keywords
hyperbaric chamber
inside attendant
occupational accidents [Mesh]
occupational diseases [Mesh]
Authors
Richard Pougnet
Laurence Pougnet
David Lucas
Anne Henckes
Brice Loddé
Jean-Dominique Dewitte
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