ECHM & EUBS Joint position statement on the use of ‘mild hyperbaric therapies’ in humans
European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine (ECHM) &
European Underwater Baromedical Society (EUBS)
Joint position statement on the use of ‘mild hyperbaric therapies’ in humans
Introduction
Exposure of humans in hyperbaric treatment devices (hyperbaric chambers) up to 2.0 bar overpressure (equal to 20 meters depth of water) with the breathing of oxygen is known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, HBO therapy or HBOT.
Due to tragic accidents with human fatalities in the past, different countries established safety regulations regarding technical and personnel standards for the performance of HBOT during the last decades. Within the European Union hyperbaric chambers are regarded as ‘class IIb medical device’ according to the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) and have to meet strict safety standards to prevent harm to patients, caregivers, and third parties.
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