Hyperbaric Program Coordinator

Major Responsibilities:

• Performs duties of Safety Director for the multiplace hyperbaric chamber. Provides direction and follows policy and procedures to meet the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) related to hyperbaric facilities. Coordinates and oversees system emergency procedure training and annual Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) competency assessments.
• Oversees hyperbaric Preventative Maintenance Program for multiplace chamber and coordinates vendor maintenance visits.
• Develops and implements hyperbaric treatment procedures and protocols in collaboration with the Manager and the Medical Director.
• Oversees the Hyperbaric Quality data collection and action plans for the hyperbaric department.
• Coordinates with the Biomedical department to inspect and test any ancillary equipment for safety implications prior to allowing equipment inside the multiplace chambers.
• Coordinates technical functions of the hyperbaric department. Operates chamber control console, hand valve compressors and related equipment. Assists with repairs to compressor piping and ancillary equipment if necessary. Problem solves and trouble shoots equipment to facilitate rapid repairs for chamber and ancillary equipment.
• 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. Performs equipment safety checks prior to hyperbaric procedures and according to department guidelines.
• Modifies decompression calculations to provide additional safety margins on emergence bail out procedures. Collaborates with employee health to assure staff attendants meet health screening and maintenance.
• Provides staff education, procedures and medical staff communication related to hyperbaric program. Orients and maintains competencies for staff in their hyperbaric chamber responsibilities related to attending, chamber operation, safety guidelines and new employee orientation.
• Develops and conducts seminars for hospital staff, visitors, students and residents related to hyperbaric medicine. Coordinates and participates in teaching hyperbaric medicine courses.
• 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.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) certification issued by the National Board of Diving & Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT), or
• CHS (Certified Hyperbaric Specialist) issued by the American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH) and
• Safety Director Certificate Course or obtain within 6 months of hire, and
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.

Education Required:

• Associate's Degree in Healthcare or related field.

Experience Required:

• Typically requires 5 years of experience in a hyperbaric technician or related position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Completion of an Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) approved introductory course in Hyperbaric Medicine.
• Knowledge of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulations and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) guidelines.
• 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
• Previous program planning experience including development of procedures, protocols and training required. Previous experience in developing hyperbaric programs.
• Knowledge of physics and gas laws and the ability to explain to medical staff their application to hyperbaric medicine.
• Ability and prior experience in teaching and training professional medical staff.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in using computerized control system.
• Proficient in operating walk-in chamber control panels and all patient care and monitoring equipment.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• 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.
• lift up to 20 lbs over the head.
• carry up to 40 lbs a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• push/pull with 30 lbs of force.
• perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs with a second person present.
• Functional use of senses.
• Potential for exposure to mechanical, electrical, explosive and chemical hazards as well as blood and body fluids and thus have ability to take precautions by wearing protective clothing (gloves, masks, etc.) as necessary.
• May have exposure to compressed air environment with hazard related to barotraumas injury or decompression illness.
• Must be able to work in an enclosed and warm environment with temperatures ranging from 50(-120)F.
• Must operate all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.