Hyperbaric Medicine

The Townsville Hyperbaric Medicine Unit (HMU) is the only public hyperbaric oxygen facility outside Brisbane. The chamber routinely treats around 12 patients every day with 100 per cent oxygen at pressures greater than atmospheric for the approved conditions below.

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment is for the primary, or to complement, therapy in the following conditions:

• Air embolism, including arterial gas embolism
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Crush injuries, re-implanted appendages and re-perfusion injuries
• Decompression illness
• Gas gangrene and non-clostridial necrotising fasciitis
• Compromised flaps and grafts
• Soft tissue radiation injuries
• Refractory mycoses
• Refractory osteomyelitis
• Selected problem wounds with evidence of Ischaemia
• Osteoradionecrosis – prophylaxis and or treatment
• Acute retinal artery or vein occlusion (within 12 hours of onset)
• Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

The unit also provides a 24/7 emergency service, particularly in cases of decompression illness.

Referral

For urgent cases phone the duty hyperbaric physician on (07) 4433 2080 or (07) 4433 2088 during hours or after hours on (07) 4433 1111.

For elective treatment, a referral letter or the referral form in general use throughout the hospital should be completed and faxed (07 4433 2081) to the Hyperbaric Medicine Unit.