The tragic death of a 5-year-old boy in a hyperbaric chamber in Michigan is raising alarms over the lack of regulation and safety standards for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in non-medical settings. The incident, which occurred on January 31 at the Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan, has prompted calls for stricter oversight to prevent further tragedies.
Thomas Cooper, a young boy from Royal Oak, Michigan, was undergoing treatment for sleep apnea and ADHD when a fire broke out in the hyperbaric chamber. The fire started from a spark and quickly engulfed the chamber, causing Thomas to lose his life in mere seconds. This type of therapy, while FDA-approved for certain medical conditions, can create a highly combustible environment due to the 100% oxygen used during treatment.
The Oxford Center, which offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy for various unapproved conditions, including those like autism, cancer, and Lyme disease, faces serious legal consequences following the boy’s death. Four employees, including the center’s CEO, have been charged in connection with Thomas’ death.
This incident has sparked renewed debate about the safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy when used outside of regulated healthcare facilities. Michigan’s Attorney General, Dana Nessel, expressed concerns about the center’s lack of safety measures and the absence of proper technician training. Under current Michigan law, hyperbaric chambers in wellness centers are not subject to the same oversight as those in hospitals, leaving a gap in the enforcement of safety protocols.
The Oxford Center had been inspected by the local fire department, but those inspections focused solely on life-safety measures and did not cover the operation or maintenance of the hyperbaric chambers themselves. This lack of oversight is echoed across the country, where many wellness centers operate hyperbaric chambers without the necessary accreditation or adherence to strict safety standards. John Peters, executive director of the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society, highlighted that only a small number of facilities are properly accredited, with many operating without proper oversight.
As the popularity of hyperbaric oxygen therapy continues to rise, particularly among wellness enthusiasts and celebrities, the need for stronger regulation has never been clearer. The FDA has cautioned against unproven claims made by some businesses, and Michigan legislators, such as Sen. Stephanie Chang and Rep. Sharon MacDonell, are now pushing for new regulations to ensure safety and stop misleading practices.
This tragedy is reminiscent of a similar case in Florida in 2009, where a fire claimed the lives of a child and his grandmother at an unaccredited clinic. Despite the past tragedy, national safety regulations were not implemented. However, there is hope that this recent incident in Michigan will prompt meaningful changes and prevent further harm.
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