Milestone for Hyperbaric Medicine Service

Patient Matthew Tarrant celebrates with Hyperbaric Medicine Service staff at the RBWH.

The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) Hyperbaric Medicine Service celebrated its 5th anniversary and 15,000th treatment on 21 May

Among those celebrating the milestone was patient Matthew Tarrant.

Matt, who has Type 1 diabetes, was treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy after sustaining a severe burn to his foot from a hot water bottle.

He was facing potential amputation when he commenced treatment at the Hyperbaric Medicine Service. However, after only two weeks of treatment, there were noticeable improvements to Matt’s burn and signs of healing.

Having now completed the full treatment, Matt’s skin graft has healed and full feeling has returned to his foot. Matt described the treatment and staff as “above and beyond his expectations” and as a “blessing”.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has long been accepted as the treatment for decompression illness or the bends but can also treat radiation induced injuries, chronic non-healing wounds and a range of other conditions including Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing loss and carbon monoxide poisoning.

A leader in its field, the RBWH Hyperbaric Medicine Service provides 24-hour on call medical advice for recreational and commercial diving incidents, as well as national and international operational support and accreditation for the safe practice of Hyperbaric Medicine.