Hyperbaric technician

Major Responsibilities:

• Operates chamber control console, hand valve compressors and related equipment. Operates and assists with trouble shooting and repair of chamber support systems which includes compressors, accumulator tanks, compressed gas cylinders, control panel, UPS, status panel, inert gas purging, oxygen analyzers, communications systems, fire deluge and handlines.
• In chamber Transcutaneous Oxygen Monitors, patient vital sign devices, ventilators and other respiratory equipment. Monitors patients pre, during and post hyperbaric procedures.
• May attend patients inside the multiplace chamber (must meet physical requirements). Computes standard and emergency decompression calculations for chamber attendants using US Navy and ASLMC DCAP decompression procedures.
• Prepares, maintains and disinfects ancillary equipment and supplies for use inside the chambers including negative pressure wound therapy devices, transcutaneous oxygen monitors, patient vital sign devices, ventilators and other respiratory equipment.
• Prepares patients for hyperbaric procedures discussing procedure details and educating patient on chamber safety and ear clearing techniques. May attend and monitors patient vital signs prior and during hyperbaric procedures.
• Takes digital photos of patient wounds and downloads images to monitor patient progress.
• Performs equipment safety checks, prior to hyperbaric procedures, according to department guidelines.
• May assist with wound care tasks including application of dressings, changing of dressings, and cleaning of wounds.
• Modifies decompression calculations to provide additional safety margins for emergency bailout procedures if necessary.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA), and
• Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) certification issued by the National Board of Diving & Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT) needs to be obtained within 1 year.

Education Required:

• High School Graduate.

Experience Required:

• Typically requires 1 year of experience in healthcare, which may include checking vital signs, or assisting physicians in medical procedures.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Must have a qualifying pathway credential for obtaining CHT.
• * RT
• * EMT
• * Paramedic
• * LPN
• * RN
• * NP
• * PA
• * Physician
• * Military Corpsman
• The American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH) offers added qualifications similar to the CHT awarded by the NBDHMT. The ABWH offers Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS) and Certified Hyperbaric & Wound Specialist (CHWS) . The UHMS recognizes both CHT, CHRN and CHS, CHWS
• Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS) Positions Eligible to Apply for Examination:
• *Hyperbaric Technician
• *Diver Medical Technician
• *Medical Assistant
• *Respiratory Therapist
• *Certified Nurse Aide
• *EMT Paramedic
• *Life Support Technician
• *Physician Assistant
• *Registered Nurse or LPN
• *Nurse Practitioner
• *Physician
• *Veterinarian
• *Podiatrist
• Participates in 24/7 operations/oncall for emergent multiplace chamber patients.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Strong mathematical and mechanical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to set priorities.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to bend, stoop, crawl and reach to complete preventative maintenance and emergency repairs to equipment.
• Must be able to:
• lift up to 50 lbs from floor to waist.
• lift up to 20 lbs over the head.
• carry up to 40 lbs a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• push/pull with 30 lbs of force.
• perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs with a second person present.
• Must have visual senses to see monitoring equipment and speech and hearing ability to hear equipment alarms.
• Potential for exposure to mechanical, electrical, explosive and chemical hazards as well as blood and body fluids.
• Must be able to work in an enclosed and warm environment with temperatures ranging from 50(-120(F.
• Potential for barotramatic injury due to exposure to compressed air environment and risks of decompression when assisting inside the multiplace hyperbaric chamber.
• Completed Medical History Screen must be approved by the Medical Director. Must be able to successfully complete pre-employment chest X-Ray and an environmental pressurization test up to 165 FSW (feet of sea water). Audiology and Caisson’s radiology studies must be completed within 3 months of hire.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.