Wound Care

• Wound VAC (Vacuum Assistant Closure): This device is used to assist in closing wounds faster–used for Stage 3 and Stage 4 wounds, also for infected wounds.
• Antimacrobial Civil Dressing: Two types, one stays on 3 days and one stays on 7 days. It kills bacteria in the wound so it can heal faster. Avoids frequent dressing changes, which can be painful.

Co-directors Dr. Alain Domkam and Dr. Raymond Girnys and the highly trained staff of GLH Wound Care Center are dedicated to patient care and safety. If you have any questions regarding your treatment please ask and someone will be glad to help you.

We request arrival for appointments on time. However, actual HBO therapy sessions can only be timed approximately due to the nature of the treatment. We make each patient’s session comfort- able and to meet their individual needs. Occasion- ally this may cause a session to take longer than scheduled. We request your patience if this occurs. If you are unable to attend for any reason, please give at least 24 hours notice.

We provide safe, productive and private hyperbaric oxygen therapy with a detailed orientation. You will undergo a slow compression and decompression of oxygen while inside the chamber. During treatment you may watch movies, listen to music, or sleep. Your HBO consultant will discuss with you the number of treatments you need, rang- ing from six to forty. You will usually be in the chamber for around two hours for each treatment. However, you may be at the Wound Care Center a little longer, as the doctor may need to see you. While inside the chamber, please inform the attendant if the pressure is too great for your ears. He /she can stop or slow the rate of pressurization until you are comfortable.

You will also need to clear your ears more often by sipping water and/or swallowing, pinching your nose and blowing, or yawning. Alert a wound care staff member concerning the following:

• If you develop a cold, the flu, or any congestion
• If there is any possibility you may be pregnant
• If you develop nausea or vomiting
• If you develop an ear or sinus infection
• If you change medications
• If you have not eaten breakfast
• If you are diabetic and did not take your insulin These needs will be addressed medically.

Although side effects are rare, some that may occur include pressure build-up behind the ears, a change in vision and seizures.

You will be asked to sign a form consenting for therapy prior to commencing treatment.

Begin your daily routine as normal, including showering and eating. You will need to arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time in order to change into fire safe, 100% cotton scrubs. Infants and children will wear 100% cotton pajamas or gown inside the chamber.

• Please remove: Watches, wigs, jewelry, and all prostheses, such as hearing aids.
• You must check with the chamber operator before bringing anything into the chamber. No video games or radios will be allowed inside the chamber.
• No grease or oils such as body lotions, lipstick, hair oils, nail polish, hair spray, perfumes, makeup, or hair preparations are allowed in the chamber.

• Skin Substitutions
• Excisional Debridement
• Callous Removal
• Incision and Drainage of Abscesses
• Compression Wraps
• Routine Dressing Changes
• Ostomy Care and Education
• Wound VAC (Vacuum Assisted Closure)
• Hydrotherapy (Whirlpool)