Hyperbaric Oxygen

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Exceptional Blood Loss

When transfusion is unavailable or refused, HBOT dissolves oxygen directly in plasma, bypassing haemoglobin.

Exceptional Blood Loss

Mechanism

Why hyperbaric oxygen for exceptional blood loss

In situations of severe blood loss where transfusion isn't possible or isn't an option for the patient, HBOT can temporarily sustain life by dissolving large amounts of oxygen directly into the blood plasma, delivering oxygen to tissue without relying on red blood cells.

Pressurized oxygen

Inside the chamber, atmospheric pressure is raised above normal while you breathe 100% oxygen. This dissolves oxygen directly into your blood plasma, far beyond what red blood cells alone can carry.

Oxygen-starved tissue

Damaged or poorly circulated tissue often heals slowly because it lacks oxygen. HBOT floods these areas, supporting new blood vessel growth and tissue regeneration.

Structured treatment course

Treatment courses are prescribed by your physician, typically a series of daily sessions over several weeks, with progress reported back to the referring physician.

Evidence

Coverage and what to expect

  • It is an approved indication. OHIP covers HBOT for this condition when your physician confirms it meets the approved criteria.
  • It works alongside your other treatment. HBOT supports, rather than replaces, the surgical, antibiotic, or medical care your physician is already providing.
  • A physician referral is required. There is no option to self-refer or pay privately for this therapy; your physician initiates the process.
  • Outcomes depend on timing and severity. How early treatment starts and the severity of the condition both affect what you can expect.

Your physician confirms whether your condition qualifies for one of the 14 OHIP-approved indications before treatment begins.

Process

What to expect

  1. Referral and assessment.

    Your physician sends a referral. We review it, confirm OHIP coverage for your indication, and book your intake assessment.

  2. Treatment sessions.

    Most treatments are 90 minutes of oxygen, about 2 hours in total. You rest comfortably in the chamber. Many patients listen to music, watch TV, or nap. You may feel pressure in your ears, similar to a plane landing.

  3. Physician reporting.

    We monitor your progress throughout the course and report outcomes back to your referring physician.

Have a referral for exceptional blood loss?

Covered by OHIP for this approved indication; physician referral required to start.

Referral information at Halton Hyperbarics Ask us a question