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If you are looking for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the Troy, Michigan area, the January 2025 fatal incident at a Troy home involving a 5-year-old has understandably raised safety concerns. That tragedy involved an uninspected soft chamber in a residential setting with no clinical oversight. Here is what the Troy-area HBOT landscape actually looks like, the safety standards that separate clinical facilities from home setups, and where to find accredited providers nearby.
This guide will help you understand your options for safe hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the Troy, Michigan area, what safety standards to look for, and how to make informed decisions about HBOT treatment. We’ll also explain what went wrong in the recent incident and how you can protect yourself and your family.
Table of Contents
Recent Safety Concerns in Troy Michigan
According to the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, HBOT is recognized for 14 FDA-cleared medical indications, with over 1.5 million treatments administered annually in the United States.
Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS)
In January 2025, a tragic explosion occurred at the Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan, killing 5-year-old Thomas Cooper and injuring his mother. Four people, including the center’s owner and safety manager, have been charged in connection with this incident.
The facility treated over 100 conditions, many not cleared for hyperbaric oxygen therapy by the FDA. This tragedy has exposed serious gaps in safety oversight and regulation in Michigan’s hyperbaric therapy industry.
What This Means for Patients
This incident doesn’t mean hyperbaric oxygen therapy is inherently dangerous when done properly. However, it does highlight the need for:
- Choosing properly certified facilities
- Understanding safety protocols
- Asking about staff training and qualifications
- Verifying equipment maintenance records
- Working with medical doctors, not just technicians
Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, is a type of treatment used to speed up healing of carbon monoxide poisoning, gangrene, stubborn wounds, and infections in which tissues are starved for oxygen. The therapy delivers 100% 100% oxygen to patients in a pressurized chamber.
How Does HBOT Work at the Cellular Level?
During treatment, you breathe 100% oxygen while sitting or lying in a sealed chamber. The pressure is increased to 2-3 times normal atmospheric pressure. This forces more oxygen into your blood and tissues, which can help healing.
FDA-Approved Uses
The FDA has approved hyperbaric oxygen therapy for specific medical conditions, including:
- Decompression sickness (the bends)
- Severe carbon monoxide poisoning
- Non-healing wounds and diabetic ulcers
- Radiation injuries
- Severe anemia when blood transfusions aren’t possible
- Certain infections and gas gangrene
- Burns
- Bone infections that don’t respond to other treatments
The Food and Drug Administration has approved hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treatment of 13 different disorders, including severe burns, but many facilities treat conditions beyond this approved list.
Off-Label Uses and Risks
Many clinics offer HBOT for conditions not approved by the FDA, such as autism, cerebral palsy, or general wellness. While some research supports these uses, they come with additional risks since they’re not as well-studied or regulated.
Understanding Side Effects and Risks
Side effects may include ear injuries, claustrophobia and sinus congestion and pressure. Complications of HBOT are uncommon, but they can occur. These include ear and sinus pain, rupture of the eardrum, temporary vision changes, and, rarely, lung collapse.
Common Side Effects
Most side effects are mild and include:
- Ear pain or pressure
- Sinus congestion
- Temporary vision changes
- Fatigue after treatment
- Claustrophobia or anxiety
Serious Complications
Most are relatively mild and self-limited, but some can be severe and even life-threatening. Serious complications can include:
- Oxygen toxicity causing seizures
- Lung collapse (pneumothorax)
- Severe ear drum rupture
- Fire or explosion (extremely rare with proper safety)
These effects can be remembered by the acronym VENTID. Vision (tunnel vision), Ears (tinnitus), Nausea, Twitching (muscle fasciculation), Irritability, and Dizziness.
Who Should Not Use HBOT
The only absolute contraindication to HBOT is an untreated pneumothorax. Other conditions that may make HBOT unsafe include:
- Certain lung diseases
- Recent ear surgery or injury
- High fever or upper respiratory infection
- Certain medications
- Pregnancy (in some cases)
Red Flags to Avoid
After the hyperbaric chamber Troy MI explosion, it’s crucial to know what warning signs to watch for:
Facility Red Flags
- Claims to treat dozens of conditions not FDA-approved for HBOT
- Lack of medical doctor oversight
- Unwillingness to provide safety certifications
- Missing or incomplete maintenance records
- Staff without proper hyperbaric training
- Pressure to sign long-term treatment contracts
- Facilities that seem more focused on profits than safety
- No emergency action plans posted
- Equipment that looks old or poorly maintained
Treatment Red Flags
- Promises of miracle cures
- Treatment plans without proper medical evaluation
- Refusing to coordinate with your regular doctor
- Charging upfront for many sessions without trial period
- Not explaining risks and side effects clearly
- Using home-made or modified equipment
- Operating without proper medical supervision
Questions to Ask Before Treatment
Before choosing any Troy hyperbaric chamber facility, ask these important questions:
About Safety and Certification
- Is your facility accredited by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS)?
- What are the qualifications of staff operating the chambers?
- Can I see your equipment maintenance and inspection records?
- What emergency protocols do you have in place?
- How often do you inspect and service your chambers?
- Do you have backup safety systems?
- What’s your safety record – any incidents or injuries?
About Medical Oversight
- Is there a board-certified physician supervising treatments?
- Does the supervising doctor have ACGME-accredited Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine fellowship training?
- Will you coordinate with my primary care physician?
- What conditions do you actually have FDA approval to treat?
- How do you determine if I’m a good candidate for HBOT?
- Will I have a medical evaluation before starting?
About the Treatment
- What are the specific risks and potential side effects for my condition?
- How many sessions do you recommend and why?
- What happens if I have an emergency during treatment?
- Are your treatments covered by my insurance?
- Can I stop treatment if I feel uncomfortable?
- What training do your operators have?
Staff Qualifications That Matter
Safe hyperbaric therapy requires properly trained staff. Look for:
Physician Qualifications
- Board certification in relevant specialty
- Completion of 1-year ACGME accredited fellowship in hyperbaric medicine
- Active medical license
- Experience with hyperbaric medicine
Technician Training
- International Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (ICHT) certification
- Regular safety training updates
- CPR and emergency response certification
- Knowledge of chamber operations and safety protocols
HBOT Cost Comparison: Troy Area
| Setting | Cost Per Session | Insurance | Typical Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital-based (FDA-approved) | Often fully covered | Usually accepted | 20-40 sessions |
| Off-label treatments | $200-$500 | Usually not covered | 20-40 sessions |
| Home chambers (purchase) | $25,000-$100,000+ | Not covered | Ongoing |
Insurance and Cost Considerations
For FDA-approved conditions, most insurance plans including Medicare cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy when provided at accredited facilities. However, coverage varies significantly for off-label uses.
Typical Costs
- Hospital-based sessions: Often fully covered for approved conditions
- Off-label treatments: $200-$500 per session, usually not covered
- Home chambers: $25,000-$100,000+ to purchase
- Typical treatment course: 20-40 sessions
Financial Questions to Ask
- What does my insurance actually cover?
- Will you verify coverage before starting treatment?
- Are there payment plans available?
- What’s included in the quoted price?
- Are there additional fees for consultations or monitoring?
- What happens if I need to stop treatment early?
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re considering HBOT for conditions not FDA-approved, discuss these alternatives with your doctor:
- Traditional wound care and treatment
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Proven medical treatments for your specific condition
- Clinical trials for new treatments
- Other integrative therapies with better safety records
- Second opinions from specialists
The Importance of Medical Supervision
One key lesson from recent safety concerns is the importance of proper medical oversight. Safe hyperbaric therapy requires:
Qualified Medical Staff
- Board-certified physicians familiar with hyperbaric medicine
- Nurses trained specifically in HBOT protocols
- Technicians certified in chamber operation
- Emergency response team availability
Proper Patient Screening
Not everyone is a good candidate for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Proper screening includes:
- Complete medical history review
- Physical examination focusing on ears and lungs
- Discussion of all medications and supplements
- Evaluation of ear and lung function
- Assessment of claustrophobia or anxiety
- Review of previous treatments and responses
Emergency Preparedness
Safe facilities should have:
- Written emergency procedures
- Staff trained in emergency response
- Direct communication with emergency services
- Backup power systems
- Fire suppression systems designed for oxygen environments
- Regular emergency drills
Making Smart Choices
- Choose hospital-based programs when possible
- Verify credentials and certifications
- Ask lots of questions about safety protocols
- Get second opinions, especially for off-label uses
- Don’t let anyone pressure you into immediate treatment
- Start with your regular doctor’s recommendation
Red Flags That Should Stop You
If a facility:
- Won’t answer your safety questions
- Makes unrealistic promises about cures
- Pressures you to start immediately
- Can’t provide proper certifications
- Has had recent safety incidents
- Operates without medical supervision
Walk away and find another provider.
Bottom Line
The Troy Michigan hyperbaric chamber incident has been a wake-up call for the industry and patients alike. While HBOT can be safe and effective when done properly, choosing the right facility is crucial for your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
Focus on finding accredited, hospital-based programs with proper medical oversight. Ask tough questions about safety, training, and certifications. Don’t let cost savings or convenience compromise your safety.
Remember, the goal of any medical treatment should be to help you feel better and heal faster, not put you at unnecessary risk. Take time to research your options thoroughly, ask detailed questions, and make informed decisions about your healthcare.
References
Michigan Attorney General. (2025, March 11). Four charged in connection to death of 5-year-old after hyperbaric chamber explosion at Oxford Center [Press release]. Michigan.gov
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, August 31). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: What it is & benefits, side effects. Cleveland Clinic
References
- Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Indications.” 14th Edition, 2019. uhms.org
- Thom SR. “Hyperbaric oxygen: its mechanisms and efficacy.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2011;127(Suppl 1):131S-141S. DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181fbe2bf
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “National Coverage Determination for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.” NCD 20.29. cms.gov
Medical Disclaimer
The content on BaricBoost.com is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Author
Seph Fontane Pennock is the founder of BaricBoost.com and Regenerated.com, a clinic directory for regenerative medicine serving 10,000+ providers across the United States. He previously built and sold PositivePsychology.com, which grew to 19 million users and became the largest evidence-based positive psychology resource on the web. Seph brings direct experience as an HBOT patient, having completed protocols at clinics across three continents while navigating mold illness, systemic inflammation, and autoimmune conditions. His treatment journey includes hyperbaric oxygen therapy, peptide protocols, NAD+ therapy, and consultations with specialists from Dubai to Cape Town to Mexico. This combination of entrepreneurial track record and lived patient experience shapes everything published on BaricBoost.com. Every article is grounded in peer-reviewed research, informed by real clinical encounters, and written for patients making high-stakes treatment decisions. Seph's focus is on bringing transparency, scientific rigor, and practical guidance to the hyperbaric oxygen therapy space.
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