As the world watched the Titanic-touring submersible that went missing one week ago…the eventual conclusion was that the vessel suffered a “catastrophic implosion,” killing all five people on board while descending to explore the wreckage of the famous ship….how tragic. As I watched that relatively small cylinder for the potential recovery of those 5 explorers, I was reminded of my military experience and training with hyperbaric therapy/medicine and how extremely important safety is all the way around.
Prior to being assigned as Chief Nurse Executive to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa Japan I was sent to the Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas for 5 weeks of training in hyperbaric medicine since I would be given this as an additional duty while stationed there. Due to the island having an altitude chamber and many recreational divers a hyperbaric chamber was necessary in the event someone developed decompression sickness due to the effects of exertion after the altitude chamber flight, not following dive tables correctly, or even suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Research continues regarding numerous other conditions that benefit from this high oxygen therapy. (Even some celebrities have invested in their own chambers, from Michael Jackson to Justin Bieber.)
Military Training: Whether it was Flight School (learning about the dynamics of high altitude on the body) or Hyperbaric Training (learning about the dynamics of depth on the body)…safety was always paramount So, admittedly, since this accident occurred, several safety issues have been questioned regarding this private craft.
Our chamber was no larger than the touring submersible…room for a patient to sit or lie down plus two attendants. the atmosphere was SO flammable, we all had to wear special clothing that wouldn’t spark…be afraid!! Each case we dove was unique, so the team of trained professionals had to determine the correct formula depth and time to dive and then ascend slowly to minimize the “bubbles” causing the decompression sickness or “the bends” .If any of you remember a TV show called “Sea Hunt” frequently divers would get “the bends” for not following safe diving tables. (OK, that shows my age a bit.)
Note: Had all 5 of these explorers been found and brought to the surface…due to the depth they went to view the Titanic and because of how long they remained at that depth their recovery would have been super challenging had the implosion not happened..
Some diving experiences:
Special Forces: Shortly after the first Gulf War, an Army special forces medic needed some hyperbaric therapy after requalification in the altitude chamber the previous day. He had gone back to work and lifted a heavy box (which was a no no) and ended up with eventual jaw pain that evening. Upon going into one of our military dentists the next morning, his history of having completed the altitude chamber was discovered and he was diagnosed with decompression sickness. Later, while diving him for several hours, he shared “I can’t tell you anything else, but we really tried to get that guy” (most likely referring to Saddem Hussein). He left the chamber pain free.
Increased Blood Flow: A military family member had a history of having had some soft palate repair due to a previous infection and needed further work done back in the US…so she was scheduled for several hyperbaric sessions to increase her oral blood flow to facilitate the healing process . We dove her in the chamber for several hours daily over two weeks. Her before and after pictures were SO impressive…at the end of her therapy, her soft palate tissue went from pale pink to a healthy bright red .
Diving Enthusiast: A female family member really got into diving while living on the island of Okinawa…to the point she lost control or count of her tables and how frequently she had been diving. As a result, she got into serious decompression trouble and was taken to our chamber…sadly, she did not recover. It was obviously her time.
What a wonderful and unique professional experience…afforded to me by our military…SO thankful for all the safety standards they employ…helping me to live to tell you these tales.
Even though exploration has its risks, let us continue to explore ourselves and the incredible world in which we live…with SAFETY at the forefront!
Spiritual Meditation: Saying “thank you” is never a wasted prayer.. – Daily Medicine