Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Fire Risk: FDA Alert Raises Alarms After Reported Injuries and Deaths

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a nationwide alert following reports of dangerous fires linked to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) devices. According to the agency, recent incidents have resulted in serious injuries and even deaths, prompting renewed focus on how these devices are manufactured, operated, and maintained across hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers.

Although the root causes of the fires are still being investigated, the FDA has urged all healthcare facilities and providers to strictly follow the manufacturer’s safety protocols and take additional precautions to protect patients. For those who have suffered harm or lost a loved one during HBOT, this announcement may be the first signal that a device defect or negligent oversight could be to blame.

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical procedure that involves placing a patient inside a sealed chamber, where they breathe 100% oxygen at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure. This treatment helps increase oxygen concentration in the blood, speeding up healing and fighting infection.

It is commonly used for:

• Severe wounds that resist healing (including diabetic ulcers)
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Decompression sickness in divers
• Radiation tissue damage
• Certain types of infections

The therapy has gained popularity in recent years—not only in hospitals but also in private clinics, wellness spas, and rehabilitation centers. But with the increased usage comes a greater risk of error, especially when facilities fail to take proper safety measures. In oxygen-rich environments, even a small spark or static discharge can trigger an explosion or fire.

Why HBOT Devices Pose a Fire Risk

Fire needs three elements: fuel, heat, and oxygen. Hyperbaric chambers provide a pressurized oxygen-rich environment, which significantly amplifies fire risk. If patients or staff bring flammable objects, wear static-prone clothing, or use prohibited electrical devices inside the chamber, a single spark could cause flames to ignite instantly.

According to the FDA:

• Fires have occurred during therapy sessions in sealed HBOT chambers.
• Resulting injuries include severe burns and fatal incidents.
• The oxygen concentration inside these chambers increases combustion speed and intensity.

While the agency notes these events are rare, they are often catastrophic. Reports suggest that even minor violations of safety protocols—such as inappropriate patient clothing, ungrounded electronics, or lapses in supervision—may be contributing factors.

FDA’s Safety Recommendations for Healthcare Providers

The FDA’s communication includes a detailed list of recommendations for all healthcare facilities that operate HBOT devices. These include the following actions:

• Strictly follow manufacturer instructions for each device model.
• Ensure fire prevention protocols are in place and active during every session.
• Use proper grounding equipment to prevent electrical buildup.
• Train all staff thoroughly and maintain regular retraining.
• Monitor patients continuously throughout the procedure.
• Adhere to cleaning schedules and maintenance intervals to ensure chamber safety.
• Ban prohibited items such as electronic devices, batteries, lighters, and synthetic clothing.
• Require patients to wear compatible clothing, such as 100% cotton garments approved by the manufacturer.
• Recognize that materials like wool or polyester can build static electricity and must be avoided.

When safety protocols are not followed, patients can unknowingly be placed in life-threatening conditions. Fires inside a sealed oxygen chamber leave little chance for escape or rescue.

Legal Questions Arising From HBOT-Related Injuries and Fatalities

When fire-related injuries occur in a medical setting, multiple forms of negligence or product liability may be involved. These questions often emerge during legal investigations:

• Was the device properly maintained and inspected before use?
• Did staff follow all fire safety precautions and training requirements?
• Was the chamber defective in design, construction, or electrical grounding?
• Did the facility warn the patient of risks or provide proper clothing?
• Were there unapproved devices or flammable items present during treatment?

In cases where patients suffer injuries or die due to fire-related incidents, legal responsibility may fall on the clinic, hospital, device manufacturer, or a combination of all three.

Patients or families may have the right to pursue legal claims for:

• Medical expenses
• Burn rehabilitation and surgeries
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Emotional trauma
• Wrongful death and funeral costs

Who Could Be Liable in a Hyperbaric Chamber Fire Case?

Lawsuits arising from HBOT fire incidents can include multiple defendants. Legal action may target:

• Medical facilities that fail to follow operational protocols or neglect patient monitoring.
• Device manufacturers if the design lacked adequate safeguards or instructions.
• Maintenance contractors who fail to perform required inspections or ignore warning signs.
• Staff members whose negligence contributes to unsafe conditions.

Every case requires a full investigation into what happened before, during, and after the therapy session. Medical records, device maintenance logs, witness statements, and video footage (if available) all help build a case for liability.

Patients at Higher Risk for HBOT Fire Incidents

While all patients face some level of risk, certain groups are especially vulnerable to injury or death during a fire inside an HBOT chamber. These include:

• Elderly patients with limited mobility
• Disabled individuals who may not be able to exit quickly
• Patients requiring extended sessions
• Unsupervised therapy in understaffed clinics

When a fire breaks out in a sealed chamber, time is extremely limited. The ability to stop treatment, open the chamber, and evacuate the patient requires split-second decisions and trained staff ready to respond. If any of these steps are delayed or skipped, the consequences can be deadly.

Why Immediate Legal Action Is Crucial

When someone is injured or killed due to a hyperbaric oxygen chamber fire, time matters. Preserving evidence is essential. Chambers are often repaired, cleaned, or moved quickly after an incident. Critical data can be lost if a legal team is not engaged early.

In addition, most states have deadlines (statutes of limitations) for filing claims. Waiting too long could prevent families from obtaining compensation or holding negligent parties accountable.

Legal action does more than recover compensation—it can uncover dangerous practices and force improvements in safety standards that protect future patients nationwide.

HBOT Fire Burn and Wrongful Death Lawsuit FAQs

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy used to treat?
It is used to treat conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning, chronic wounds, radiation damage, and infections. It involves breathing 100% oxygen in a sealed chamber at high pressure to help oxygenate tissues and promote healing.

Why are HBOT chambers dangerous in terms of fire risk?
The increased oxygen concentration inside the chamber supports combustion. When paired with flammable materials or electrical sparks, even static electricity from clothing can ignite a fire. Once a fire starts in a sealed chamber, it spreads rapidly.

Has the FDA officially recalled these devices?
No. The FDA has not issued a recall as of now, but it has sent an official safety alert to all medical facilities using HBOT devices, warning them of recent fire-related injuries and deaths and urging strict compliance with safety protocols.

Who may be liable if a patient is injured in an HBOT chamber fire?
Liability could fall on the clinic, hospital, equipment manufacturer, or maintenance personnel, depending on the circumstances. Legal claims may involve product liability, negligence, or wrongful death.

Can a patient sue if they were burned during HBOT treatment?
Yes. A personal injury claim may be available if the fire was caused by unsafe procedures, faulty equipment, or lack of supervision. Compensation may include medical costs, pain, lost income, and long-term rehabilitation.

What if a loved one died during HBOT therapy due to fire?
Families can pursue wrongful death claims. These cases seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and the financial impact of the loss.

Is there a time limit to file a lawsuit?
Yes. Each state has a statute of limitations for injury or wrongful death claims. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or someone you love was injured or died during hyperbaric oxygen therapy due to a fire or equipment failure, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Parker Waichman LLP is a national personal injury law firm handling medical device injury cases, including HBOT-related incidents.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) now for a free, confidential consultation. We are actively investigating claims involving hyperbaric oxygen chamber fires and can help you understand your rights, preserve evidence, and seek the justice and compensation your family deserves.