The death of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper in a hyperbaric chamber at the Oxford Center in Michigan has raised concerns about the lack of oversight in the wellness industry for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Hyperbaric chambers are pressurized devices that deliver 100% oxygen to the body, and while they are FDA-approved for certain conditions, the therapy is being used for many other conditions without official approval. Following Thomas’ death, the Oxford Center founder and three employees were charged, and lawmakers in Michigan are exploring regulatory options.
Michigan currently lacks a regulatory framework for hyperbaric oxygen therapy outside of traditional health care facilities, leaving thousands of non-accredited facilities operating without proper oversight. The Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society accredits some facilities, but many others are not upholding stringent standards. Lawmakers in Michigan are working to introduce legislation to address safety concerns and prevent businesses from making unproven claims about the therapy.
Fires in hyperbaric chambers are rare, but when they occur, they can have devastating consequences. The lack of consistent oversight at the federal, state, and local levels has raised concerns about the safety of patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The FDA only regulates certain chambers as medical devices, and other oversight organizations focus on accredited hospitals rather than standalone facilities like the Oxford Center.
The tragic death of Thomas Cooper has highlighted the need for mandatory accreditation and comprehensive regulations to ensure the safety of individuals receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Lawmakers, regulatory agencies, and medical experts are advocating for increased oversight to prevent future tragedies like Thomas’ death.
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