State shuts down hyperbaric chamber (Alpena, MI)

[diver_paula]

Hey all.

I just received this link from a friend.

State shuts down hyperbaric chamber | The Alpena News

It sounds as if the issue can be remedied but I'd appreciate any news/updates from locals as available.

Thanks.
Paula

 

[Thunder Bay Minnow]

The article is accurate.

Here is yesterdays article

Closing of chamber disappointing; hopefully resolved soon | The Alpena News


Although what you won’t find online

There are two hyperbaric chambers and they are still being used on “as needed” basis even though the state has “officially” ordered it non-use. This week a man was overcome with carbon monoxide and received treatment in the chamber. With the state being fully apprised of its use. As with many rules, when it comes to life or limb, there are exceptions.

So, fear not!! Just a little red tape to get through.

Jeff

 

[PARADISE HUNTER]

What a shame.

If it is a unsafe facility, that is one thing. But if it is a matter of following a more stringent set of codes because it is attached to a hospital, that is to bad. I deal with fire marshals and the "code" once a year. They are a good group of people and are just doing their job. Some of the things that they require are sound in there reasoning, but many things that are required are extremely over kill.

If I read the article correctly, maybe a move to a different facility close to the hospital would solve the problem.

 

[Thunder Bay Minnow]

Actually the building that houses the chambers is connected to the hospital. That is the problem. Like so many hospitals there have been many additions. And not all of those additions meet the requirement of the hospital proper nor are they in many cases required to. But it is limited in its “use”, which is in question here. Does this equipment require fire suppression? If it is in a hospital, yes. If it is in a separate building, no.

Moving it to a separate facility would pose a problem. The emergency staff that would be required to operate the unit generally have other duties in the hospital and the closeness permits proper response times for the units operation.

It will be interesting to see where this all ends up. The State Fire Marshall is an Alpena native.

Jeff