Modern hyperbaric chamber helps train, protect next generation of divers

Modern hyperbaric chamber helps train, protect next generation of divers

By Max Maxfield PSNS & IMF Public Affairs

The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility divers with the Bangor Dive Locker recently received a new hyperbaric chamber in case they have to respond to a diving related emergency.

According to Master Chief Petty Officer Jonathan J. Gregg, master diver, Code 760, Bangor Dive Locker, their new hyperbaric chamber creates a pressurized environment that provides high concentrations of oxygen to the body. It is used to treat diving related casualties such as arterial gas embolisms, and decompression sickness - commonly referred to as "the bends." It can also be used to treat non-diving related injuries such as wounds and carbon monoxide poisoning.

"Its primary use is in the event of a diving related emergency," Gregg said. "Its day-to-day use at the Bangor Dive Locker will be to train Navy Divers in chamber operations and emergency response, to stay up to date on fleet modernization."

"We train weekly to stay current on qualifications and emergency response," he continued. "We are pleased to align with Fleet Modernization and be able to train the next generation of Navy Divers in emergency response and treatment. It allows us to have the size and greater capabilities to treat our own."

The new hyperbaric chamber, which replaced one that had been in use since 1995, will primarily reside at the Bangor Dive Locker on Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor's lower base. However, it can be transported, should a Temporary Additional Duty location require the use of a Recompression Chamber. Having it located with PSNS & IMF divers benefits their mission in multiple ways.

"Before this chamber arrived, our primary course of action was to use the Keyport Dive Locker chamber, which could delay treatment time, and limit training opportunities for our Sailors," Gregg said. "This chamber allows us to treat our own divers with the highest level of confidence that they can make a full recovery and return to Qualified Diving Status."

In the event of a medical emergency, the new hyperbaric chamber would be staffed by seven people. The chamber team includes a Diving Officer; a chamber supervisor; an undersea medical officer who can prescribe medications and alter standard treatment protocols as required; an inside tender/diving medical technician who is qualified to aid the patient inside the chamber during treatment and who monitors patient condition and vitals as well as communicating with outside personnel; a log keeper; and an outside tender.

The likelihood of ever having to use the hyperbaric chamber is kept as low as possible due to the skills and professionalism of the divers, as well as the safety procedures integrated throughout dive operations planning and the dives. However, diving is intrinsically a dangerous activity, and the Bangor Dive Locker personnel must be trained and ready to handle a dive related emergency. The new hyperbaric chamber will help ensure they are ready if called upon to treat one of their own.

"Every diver who works under PSNS & IMF performs diving evolutions that could put them at risk of becoming a diving casualty requiring treatment," Gregg said. "We hope to never have to use [the new hyperbaric chamber], but we will be ready if we need to."