A devastating incident at The Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan, on January 31, 2025, has underscored the critical importance of strict safety protocols in medical facilities, particularly in environments where pressurized oxygen is used. A 5-year-old boy tragically lost his life when a hyperbaric oxygen chamber exploded during treatment, also injuring his mother who sustained burns to her arms. Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the explosion. Still, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with high-oxygen environments and the need for rigorous oversight.

Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Risks

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is widely used to accelerate healing in severe infections, non-healing wounds, and carbon monoxide poisoning. The treatment involves placing patients inside a pressurized chamber where they breathe nearly pure oxygen, significantly increasing the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream. However, the nature of this environment creates an inherent risk. Oxygen-rich atmospheres are highly flammable and can quickly lead to catastrophic events if proper safety measures are not in place.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other regulatory bodies have long issued guidelines on using hyperbaric chambers, emphasizing that any ignition source—such as static electricity, mechanical failure, or flammable materials—can turn these medical devices into a fire hazard. The explosion at The Oxford Center highlights the potentially deadly consequences of overlooking these risks.

From an insurance and risk management perspective, healthcare facilities using hyperbaric chambers must consider liability exposure, coverage adequacy, and compliance with industry safety standards. Legal claims may arise regarding negligence, equipment maintenance, and staff training if an explosion or fire occurs. Facility administrators should review their policies to ensure appropriate coverage for fire-related incidents and hyperbaric therapy risks.

Lessons from the Joint Commission on Surgical Fires

The recent tragedy draws attention to broader concerns regarding fire safety in medical settings, including those raised by the Joint Commission in its Sentinel Event Alert, which focuses on hospital fire prevention. The Joint Commission estimates that between 90 and 100 surgical fires occur annually in the U.S., with many incidents going unreported due to fears of liability or reputational damage.

A key component of surgical fire prevention is understanding the “fire triangle,” which consists of three essential elements: oxygen, ignition sources, and fuel. The hyperbaric chamber explosion in Michigan likely involved these same factors, reinforcing the need for comprehensive fire risk assessments in all high-oxygen medical environments. As the Joint Commission’s report outlines, proper hazard evaluations, staff training, and fire prevention protocols are necessary to mitigate such risks.

Challenges Faced by Healthcare Workers

While this tragic event underscores the importance of stringent safety measures, it is essential to recognize the immense pressures healthcare professionals face. Medical teams operate in high-stakes environments where they must balance patient care, operational efficiency, and safety compliance. Despite their best efforts, unexpected events can still occur, making ongoing training, teamwork, and a culture of safety paramount.

This tragic event serves as a reminder for hospitals, outpatient clinics, and medical centers that utilize pressurized oxygen chambers and equipment. Healthcare organizations must rigorously adhere to safety standards, conduct regular equipment inspections, and ensure that all personnel are adequately trained in fire prevention and emergency response.

Risk managers and insurers should support healthcare providers by offering resources, training, and risk assessment tools that empower them to maintain safe environments while providing exceptional care. Implementing additional safety measures should not be seen as punitive but as a means of supporting these professionals in their mission. Ensuring proper fire prevention protocols, equipment maintenance, and emergency preparedness can help them continue providing excellent patient care while mitigating risks in high-oxygen environments.

Risk Mitigation Strategies for Healthcare Facilities

Robust risk management practices are essential for hospitals, outpatient clinics, and medical centers that utilize pressurized oxygen equipment. Healthcare executives and risk managers should consider the following measures:

• Comprehensive insurance review: Ensure that insurance policies cover fire-related incidents, equipment failures, and potential liability claims.
• Employee training and safety protocols: Regular staff training on fire prevention and emergency response is critical to mitigating risks.
• Equipment maintenance and compliance: Routine inspections and compliance with NFPA and Joint Commission guidelines are necessary to prevent mechanical failures.
• Legal and financial preparedness: Understand liability exposures and implement contractual risk transfer mechanisms where possible.
• Incident reporting and learning culture: Encouraging reporting of near-miss events and actual incidents can help identify potential weaknesses before disasters occur.

Strengthening Fire Safety in Healthcare

It takes a team and by implementing these safeguards, the medical community can help prevent similar tragedies, protecting patients and healthcare workers from the devastating consequences of fire-related incidents in clinical settings. Above all, fostering a supportive and safety-conscious environment will empower healthcare professionals to do what they do best—providing lifesaving care while minimizing preventable risks.

At Holmes Murphy, we understand that risk management in healthcare is about more than just compliance—it’s about protecting lives, ensuring financial stability, and fostering a culture of safety. Our team is ready to assist healthcare facilities in assessing risks, optimizing insurance coverage, and enhancing fire prevention strategies to keep patients and healthcare workers safe.