The parents of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper, who died in a hyperbaric chamber fire in Michigan last month, are devastated over their loss. Thomas had been receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy for sleep apnea and ADHD at the Oxford Center, a facility that treats a variety of conditions despite FDA not recognizing hyperbaric therapy for these purposes. The incident resulted in a fiery explosion in the chamber, injuring Thomas’ mother who tried to save him. The center has temporarily closed its Troy location while authorities investigate the incident.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is approved by the FDA for specific conditions, has been increasingly used by unaccredited facilities for various health problems. The Coopers had hoped this therapy would benefit Thomas. Their attorney plans to file a lawsuit to prevent similar tragedies. The FDA warns against using hyperbaric therapy for unproven conditions and recommends seeking treatment at accredited facilities.
The FDA and other agencies regulate medical practices involving hyperbaric chambers, but the wellness community promotes their use without regulatory oversight, leading to safety concerns. Past incidents, such as the death of a child in a Florida clinic in 2009, show the potential risks of unaccredited facilities providing hyperbaric therapy. The lawsuit filed by the Coopers will investigate any potential failures that contributed to Thomas’ death.
Overall, the tragedy highlights the need for stricter regulation of hyperbaric therapy to prevent future accidents and ensure patient safety.
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