The Hyperbaric Technician is responsible for administering hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy to patients as prescribed by the Physician and under the direct supervision of the Charge Nurse (RN), and indirectly under the Supervisor of the Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine Center (“Center”) for Hoag Hospital and its affiliates (the “Organization”). In this role the Hyperbaric Technician is responsible for the ongoing safety operations of the Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine Center, providing oversight of maintenance of the hyperbaric chamber and equipment in compliance with standards and regulations established by local, state and federal authorities.

The Hyperbaric Technician displays and practices a work-style reflecting the mission, vision and values of the Center team, as well as the Organization. Participates in the continuous quality improvement process.

Maintains a working knowledge of departmental standard operating procedures, Quality Control requirements, and preventive maintenance.

Essential Functions:

• Prepares patient for HBO treatments. Assists patient with transfer into and out of the chamber.
• Operates controls to pressurize and depressurize the chamber according to prescribed policies for clinical indication and physician orders.
• Monitors and ensures the proper delivery of HBO treatment as ordered.
• Collects data from patients, family, physician and clinical records along with records and reports data to nursing team and/or physician.
• Documents required elements of each treatment in a clear, concise manner including a description of the chamber settings, duration of treatment, patient response to the procedure and other relevant observations.
• Assesses, interprets data and discriminates between normal and abnormal findings as it related to the operation of the hyperbaric chambers and other equipment utilized in the department.
• Reinforces education as it relates to hyperbaric therapy.
• Recognizes and prevents environment hazards to the patient and unit, utilizes equipment and material in a cost-effective manner and locate and utilize emergency equipment.
• Cleans/disinfects HBO chambers, clinical equipment, and treatment rooms using appropriate techniques and recommendations of manufacturer and in accordance with established Organization infection control procedures.
• Performs hyperbaric chamber operations and system maintenance as required.
• Obtains patient vital signs.
• Participates in treatments in wound care as directed by the nurse or physical therapist. This may include removing dressing, measuring wounds and reapplying dressings.
• Prepares for treatment by having the patient ready and having any needed supplies and equipment available.
• Performs support care for patients in the center including: routine ADL’s, mobility, transfers, hygiene, toileting and demonstrates an understanding of the correct application of orthosis/prosthesis and use of adaptive devices.
• Observes patients' physical, mental, and emotional conditions and report any change to the nursing or medical staff.
• Utilizes data software for wound management, makes appropriate entries for treatments including photo uploading.
• Participates in the Organization and department safety program.
• Assumes responsibility for the safe and effective operation and maintenance of the hyperbaric chamber(s) and related systems and ancillary components.
• Makes recommendations for departmental safety policies and incorporates new safety procedures as appropriate.
• Assists with development and revision of department policies and procedures, operation manuals and maintenance documents.
• Works closely with the department Supervisor and Charge Nurse (RN) to coordinate and approve all hyperbaric chamber upgrades, modifications, and repairs to the hyperbaric system, ensuring all maintenance activities are done in accordance with appropriate safety standards. Ensures testing is performed, following modifications and repairs, prior to manned pressurization.
• Restricts or removes any potentially hazardous supply or equipment items from the chamber.
• Evaluates hyperbaric chamber equipment/supplies used in the chamber and ensures safety requirements are met before patients are permitted inside the chamber.
• Maintains a safe environment in the hyperbaric facility for patients and staff and uses approved and recognized decompression procedures for all persons with a hyperbaric exposure to inert gases.
• Conducts quarterly hyperbaric chamber fire safety drills tailored to improve staff response to emergency situations.
• Provides safety training to other hyperbaric facility personnel.
• Responsible for maintaining all facility safety-related standards as required by various licensing and regulatory agencies including, but not limited to the National Fire protection Agency (NFPA),
• Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) and Compressed Gas Association (CGA).
• Supports clinical hyperbaric accreditation.
• Reviews all department safety incidents, collects information regarding equipment/patient safety.
• Reports relevant incidents.
• Provides in-service training related to hyperbaric therapy to team members of the Center and
• Organization staff.
• Fosters a positive relationship between the department and local Fire Marshall, EMS Director and Pressure Vessel Inspector, as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Be certified and/or licensed in one of the following areas: Certified Nurse Aide, Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Physical Medicine Assistant, EMT/Paramedic, Respiratory Therapist, Diver Medic, Military Corpsman, Physician, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, RN, Exercise Physiologist, Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant
• Satisfactory completion of National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology approved hyperbaric medicine introductory course.
• Satisfactory completion of competences skill checklist within 30 days of hire.
• Satisfactory completion of HBO Basic Safety Course.
• Ability to communicate effectively on the patient’s behalf.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the role of HBO therapy and the different clinical indications and treatment protocols for HBO treatment.
• Proven ability to interface with all customers.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommendations regarding hyperbaric chambers.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, Word, and Excel plus healthcare database systems.
• Decisive and capable of exercising good judgment under pressure.
• Current BLS certification
• Has met the requirements for and has obtained certification as a Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) or as a Diver Medical Technician (DMT) with the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology within twelve (12) months of eligibility to be certified.

Job Preferences:

• Minimum one (1) year experience in Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy.
• One (1) year experience in an acute healthcare system environment or Wound Care Center.
• Qualified bilingual or multilingual candidates.
• Has met the requirements for and has obtained certification as a Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) or as a Diver Medical Technician (DMT) with the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology