Hyperbaric and Safety Technician - Wound Center

Responsibilities

• Performs hyperbaric chamber operator duties, including:
  • Prepares, educates, and orients patients about Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Therapy, including lifting or transferring patients per policy, readying them for treatment, and answering questions.
  • Administers HBO therapy as prescribed, monitoring and controlling hyperbaric chamber equipment and patient responses during sessions to ensure safety and effectiveness.
  • Makes appropriate data entries for daily HBO treatments and wound care clinic visits, maintaining complete and accurate patient records.
  • Operates and maintains HBO chambers and support oxygen systems.
  • Participates in the center safety program, including conducting safety drills.
• Ensures the safe and effective operation and maintenance of hyperbaric chambers and related systems, including:
  • Evaluates equipment and supplies used in chambers to meet safety requirements before permitting their use.
  • Restricts or removes potentially hazardous items.
  • Collaborates with the Director to coordinate and approve hyperbaric chamber upgrades, modifications, and repairs, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Works closely with facility management and medical personnel to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and collaborates with the leadership team to develop and revise department policies, procedures, and maintenance documents.
• Leads the center and hyperbaric safety program activities, including:
  • Maintains a safe hyperbaric environment using approved decompression procedures for all persons exposed to inert gases.
  • Reviews department safety incidents, collects information on equipment/patient safety, reports incidents to staff, and provides periodic in-service training.
  • Conducts quarterly safety drills to improve emergency responses.
  • Informs personnel of special work conditions, such as infection prevention and hazard control.
  • Assists leadership in reviewing and documenting safety-related events and facilitates learning from incidents.
  • Maintains department compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 99 (Health Care Facilities Code) for hyperbarics.
  • Reviews and recommends changes to departmental safety policies and incorporates new policies as needed.
  • Serves on the hospital’s safety or environment of care committee, as appropriate.
• Performs insurance verification and obtains authorizations for advanced treatment modalities, including HBO, cellular tissue products, and other treatments.
• Depending on credentials, may assist with intake and discharge of wound care appointments and provide case management assistance under RN direction in accordance with state regulations.
• Communicates with team members regarding therapeutic interventions to ensure quality of care.
• If CMA or LPN, may function as Documentation Assistance in accordance with Healogics and hospital policy.
• Performs other duties as required or delegated.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED).
• Pre- or post-hire completion of an approved HBO safety course (if pre-hire, completion must be within the past 5 years).
• Pre- or post-hire completion of an approved hyperbaric medicine introductory course (e.g., from Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society, National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology, Department of Defense, or American College of Hyperbaric Medicine).
• Current healthcare profession certification or license in the state of practice, maintained throughout employment. Applicable certifications/licenses include:
  • EMT or Paramedic
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)