Hyperbaric technician

American Addiction Centers•Milwaukee, WI

1d•$25 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

The Hyperbaric Technician operates chamber control consoles, hand valve compressors, and related equipment. They are responsible for operating and assisting with troubleshooting and repair of chamber support systems, including compressors, accumulator tanks, compressed gas cylinders, control panels, UPS, status panels, inert gas purging, oxygen analyzers, communication systems, and fire deluge and handlines. The technician will also operate Transcutaneous Oxygen Monitors, patient vital sign devices, ventilators, and other respiratory equipment within the chamber. They monitor patients before, during, and after hyperbaric procedures. In some cases, they may attend patients inside the multiplace chamber, requiring them to meet specific physical requirements and compute standard and emergency decompression calculations. The role involves preparing, maintaining, and disinfecting ancillary equipment and supplies for chamber use, including negative pressure wound therapy devices. Patient preparation includes discussing procedure details, educating on chamber safety and ear clearing techniques, and monitoring vital signs. The technician will also take digital photos of patient wounds for progress monitoring and perform equipment safety checks. Wound care tasks, such as applying and changing dressings, may also be part of the responsibilities. Modifications to decompression calculations for emergency bailout procedures may be necessary. The role requires patient positioning and transporting duties, involving lifting and pushing/pulling. A key aspect is demonstrating knowledge and skills for age-appropriate patient care, understanding growth and development principles, and assessing patient status based on age-specific needs.

Requirements

Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA)
Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) certification issued by the National Board of Diving & Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT) needs to be obtained within 1 year.
High School Graduate.
Typically requires 1 year of experience in healthcare, which may include checking vital signs, or assisting physicians in medical procedures.
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
Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Strong mathematical and mechanical skills.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to set priorities.
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.
Must be able to: lift up to 20 lbs over the head.
Must be able to: carry up to 40 lbs a reasonable distance.
Must be able to: push/pull with 30 lbs of force.
Must be able to: 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.

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.
Participates in 24/7 operations/oncall for emergent multiplace chamber patients.
Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

Benefits

Comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs
Competitive compensation
Generous retirement offerings
Programs that invest in your career development
Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
Incentive pay for select positions
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Paid Time Off programs
Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
Educational Assistance Program