Cayman’s hyperbaric, or recompression, chamber is housed at the Anthony S. Eden Hospital.
The unit operates 24 hours a day, year-round, on an on-call basis to ensure rapid response in emergencies.
The chamber is primarily used to treat diving-related injuries, especially decompression sickness – commonly referred to as ‘the bends’ – which can occur when a diver ascends too quickly.
It is also used to support treatment for a range of medical conditions that benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Cayman Hyperbaric Services oversees the chamber’s operations, supported by a dedicated team of 30 part-time operators and attendants.
Contact
t: 949-2989
e: [email protected]
w: hsa.ky
Signs of decompression sickness
Decompression sickness occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in body tissues due to a rapid drop in pressure. Symptoms typically appear within one to 48 hours after diving.
Common signs include:
• Deep joint or muscle pain, especially in the shoulders, elbows or knees
• Skin rashes or itching
• Extreme fatigue, dizziness or numbness
• Severe cases may involve difficulty breathing, paralysis, or loss of consciousness.
Source: Divers Alert Network
This article originally apppeared in Compass Media’s 2026 Emergency Guide.
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