Decision process to assess medical equipment for hyperbaric use.

There are very few items of medical equipment specifically designed for hyperbaric use; and little information is available about medical equipment already tested for hyperbaric use. Hyperbaricists are usually left to their own devices in making a determination about the safe and effective use of standard medical equipment in the hyperbaric setting. This article proposes a logical and systematic process to arrive at this determination. The process involves seven steps beginning with a need assessment and ending with endorsement by appropriate individuals. The discussion of decision steps includes identifying risk elements, compliance with safety standards, testing, and documentation.