Families are advocating for new regulations to ensure safety in hyperbaric treatments.
Following the tragic death of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber explosion, lawmakers in Troy, Michigan, are drafting new legislation to regulate chamber safety. The proposed rules aim to prevent future tragedies by limiting treatments to accredited facilities and enforcing necessary safety measures, as the current lack of regulations raises serious concerns for patients’ well-being.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the city of Troy, Michigan, is grappling with the shocking death of a 5-year-old boy, Thomas Cooper, who tragically lost his life in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber explosion. The incident occurred on January 31, 2025, during what was intended to be just another treatment session for his ADHD and sleep apnea—conditions that, interestingly, are not approved by the FDA for hyperbaric therapy.
This horrific incident has sparked a significant response from local lawmakers. Democratic State Senator Stephanie Chang and Representative Sharon MacDonell are stepping up to draft legislation aimed at bringing credible oversight to hyperbaric oxygen chambers across Michigan. Recent events have raised alarms about safety regulations surrounding these chambers, leaving many families feeling concerned for their loved ones.
Did you know that Michigan is currently one of the few states that lacks any regulations for hyperbaric chambers? Over a dozen other states have already established guidelines to ensure the safety of patients undergoing these potentially risky procedures. The proposed legislation from Chang and MacDonell seeks to change that by limiting hyperbaric treatments to facilities that are accredited by the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), which is a leading authority in this field.
As it stands, only two facilities in Michigan hold this crucial accreditation, and none of them are located in the bustling Metro Detroit area. The necessity for stricter regulation is underscored by the fact that previous treatments lead to tragic outcomes, like the one experienced by the Cooper family. Investigations into Thomas’s death revealed a shocking disregard for safety protocols at the Oxford Center, where the incident took place.
The horrifying explosion took just seconds. Video evidence shows the chamber bursting into flames less than three seconds after Thomas rolled onto his side during the session, demonstrating just how quickly things can go sideways. Eyewitness accounts pointed to several safety measures being ignored. For instance, grounding straps—normally utilized to mitigate static electricity ignitions—were absent, raising serious safety concerns.
Further compounding the tragedy, the hyperbaric device involved in the catastrophe had reportedly exceeded its expected service life without any maintenance since 2022. Even worse, investigators uncovered that someone had tampered with the device by rolling back its cycle counter to give it an extended lifespan—a blatant act of negligence that puts lives at risk.
In light of these findings, the founder and CEO of the Oxford Center, along with key staff members, now face serious criminal charges, including second-degree murder in connection to Thomas’s death. A fourth staff member is charged with involuntary manslaughter and accusations of falsifying records, exposing a pattern of unethical practices.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has labeled the operations at the Oxford Center as resource-driven and riddled with issues that endanger children’s lives. The Center has been accused of pushing unapproved treatments mainly for monetary gain, which contributed to their neglectful safety practices.
As the lawmakers gear up to introduce their proposed legislation in spring 2025, the aim is to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. New laws may very well introduce licensing requirements and enforce the need for medical oversight during hyperbaric treatments, ensuring that facilities meet safety standards. The hope is to clamp down on unaccredited practices that could endanger vulnerable patients.
The tragic death of young Thomas Cooper has fueled a call to action for greater accountability. The Cooper family is not standing idle; they have taken steps to file a lawsuit against the Oxford Center, seeking answers and justice for their loss. As the community rallies together, the tragic event serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety and accountability when it comes to medical treatments, especially those involving young children.
As the dust settles and the investigation continues, one thing is clear: the children of Michigan deserve better, and it’s time for the state to step up to safeguard their health and well-being.
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