{"id":212538,"date":"2025-03-23T08:00:46","date_gmt":"2025-03-23T18:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=212538"},"modified":"2025-03-22T22:25:02","modified_gmt":"2025-03-23T08:25:02","slug":"hyperbaric-treatment-center-40-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2025\/03\/23\/hyperbaric-treatment-center-40-years\/","title":{"rendered":"Hyperbaric Treatment Center marks 40 years of life-saving care in Hawai\u02bbi"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>
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An HTC<\/abbr> staff member leads a patient into the treatment chamber.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Hyperbaric Treatment Center<\/a> (HTC<\/abbr>), a clinical program of the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> at M\u0101noa\u2019s John A. Burns School of Medicine<\/a> (JABSOM<\/abbr>), is celebrating four decades of life-saving care in Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>. As the only 24\/7 emergency hyperbaric facility in the Pacific, HTC<\/abbr> has been a vital lifeline for divers, carbon monoxide poisoning victims, and patients with complex medical conditions requiring hyperbaric oxygen therapy. <\/p>\n

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Steven Hankins, HTC<\/abbr> medical director and JABSOM<\/abbr> associate professor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“The HTC<\/abbr> is an essential emergency service and training site for future medical professionals,” said JABSOM<\/abbr> Dean Sam Shomaker. “For 40 years, it has helped cancer survivors manage radiation therapy\u2019s long-term effects, supported diabetic patients in avoiding amputations, and treated patients with decompression sickness, or “the bends.’ “As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to expanding research, education, and access to hyperbaric medicine for the people of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>.”<\/p>\n

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, enhancing healing and improving patient outcomes. The increased pressure allows oxygen to dissolve more efficiently into the bloodstream, accelerating the recovery process.<\/p>\n

Established in 1984 at Kewalo Basin, HTC<\/abbr> relocated to Kuakini Medical Center in 1994. Today, HTC<\/abbr> features state-of-the-art electronic systems that enhance treatment precision and streamline care.<\/p>\n

“As we celebrate 40 years of hyperbaric medicine in Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>, we recognize HTC<\/abbr>\u2019s role in saving lives and advancing medical training,” said Steven Hankins, HTC<\/abbr> medical director and JABSOM<\/abbr> assistant professor. Hankins, named medical director in February, added, “Through JABSOM<\/abbr>, we continue to train future doctors while providing 24\/7 emergency care to our community.”<\/p>\n

Advancing care and education<\/h2>\n

A $1.6 million state-funded renovation in 2021 modernized HTC<\/abbr> with upgraded cameras, lighting, environmental controls, and a revamped control panel, improving efficiency and patient care.<\/p>\n

\"peekhole<\/p>\n

HTC<\/abbr> now treats 15 Medicare-approved conditions beyond decompression sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning, including radiation therapy, diabetic foot wounds, gas embolisms, traumatic injuries and sudden hearing loss. With advancements in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the center has also become a crucial resource for complex cases such as failed surgical grafts and chronic wounds.<\/p>\n

As part of JABSOM<\/abbr>, it provides hands-on training for medical students, residents and fellows. “Hyperbaric medicine remains an under-recognized but essential therapy,” said Hankins. “By increasing training opportunities, HTC<\/abbr> aims to raise awareness among future healthcare providers about the benefits of hyperbaric medicine and its role in patient care.”<\/p>\n

In 2024 alone, HTC<\/abbr> provided 2,132 hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions to patients suffering from tissue damage due to radiation and other causes, highlighting the increasing demand for specialized care.<\/p>\n

Future growth<\/h2>\n

For 40 years, it has been our kuleana to provide these critical services, and we are committed to continuing this mission.
—Steven Hankins<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

HTC<\/abbr> operates under JABSOM<\/abbr> in collaboration with University Health Partners of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>, JABSOM<\/abbr>‘s faculty practice. While clinical revenue supports operations, it does not fully cover costs.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, HTC<\/abbr> aims to expand research—including participation in a national clinical outcomes database—and further integrate hyperbaric medicine into UH<\/abbr>\u2019s medical and nursing curricula. Hankins encourages community support through philanthropic contributions to the UH<\/abbr> Foundation<\/a> and advocacy for state funding.<\/p>\n

“For 40 years, it has been our kuleana to provide these critical services, and we are committed to continuing this mission,” he said.<\/p>\n

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Under the John A. Burns School of Medicine, the center is the Pacific\u2019s only 24\/7 emergency hyperbaric facility.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[643,1679,31,911,319,9],"class_list":["post-212538","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","tag-anniversary","tag-hyperbaric-treatment-center","tag-john-a-burns-school-of-medicine","tag-program-recognition","tag-uh-foundation","tag-uh-manoa","entry","has-media"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t