Hyperbaric stretcher

Hyperbaric Stretcher

A Hyperbaric Stretcher (pronunciation: hi-per-ba-ric stret-cher) is a specialized medical device used to transport patients who require Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

Etymology

The term "Hyperbaric" is derived from the Greek words 'hyper' meaning 'over' or 'excessive', and 'baros' meaning 'weight'. The term "stretcher" is derived from the Old English 'streccan', meaning 'to stretch out'.

Definition

A Hyperbaric Stretcher is a sealed, pressurized bed or gurney designed to safely transport a patient into a Hyperbaric Chamber. It is specifically designed to maintain the same pressure as the hyperbaric chamber, ensuring the patient's safety and comfort during transportation.

Usage

Hyperbaric Stretchers are primarily used in the field of Hyperbaric Medicine, a medical treatment that involves the use of oxygen at higher than atmospheric pressure. They are essential in situations where a patient needs to be moved while undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, such as in cases of Decompression Sickness, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, and certain types of wounds.

Related Terms

Hyperbaric Chamber: A sealed, pressurized room or tube where hyperbaric oxygen therapy is administered.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or tube.
Decompression Sickness: A condition arising from dissolved gases coming out of solution into bubbles inside the body due to depressurization.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A potentially deadly condition caused by breathing carbon monoxide gas.
Wound Healing: The process by which the skin and underlying tissues repair themselves after injury.