Hyperbaric Training for Nurses
Background theory to allow registered nurses to work within their scope of practice in a hyperbaric chamber (multiplace-) / as operator (monoplace chamber)
Hyperbaric Registered Nurses and Hyperbaric Vocational Nurses are individuals who have taken this course and successfully completed the exam, whereupon they are eligible to function in their respective registered roles, as prescribed by the Nursing Council of South Africa. The same is true for individuals registered under the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
The exam is in the form of Multiple Choice Questions, and two hours are allotted for completion of the exam. A score of 70% is required to pass. The exam tests the candidate's knowledge of all facets of nursing care to hyperbaric patients including specific nursing procedures, interventions, and other skills that may be necessary for managing patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Application for Certification as Hyperbaric Registered / Vocational Nurse, requires the completion of a practical logbook under direct supervision of the medical director of the hyperbaric unit where they are employed.
A minimum of one year or 480 hours of practical experience is required to be eligible for registration as a Certified Hyperbaric Registered / Vocational Nurse with the Southern African Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Association (SAUHMA). In addition, successful completion of Basic Life Support training is also required, and proof of current BLS certification must be submitted together with the application for registration with SAUHMA.
Certification is maintained for a period of four years, after which a refresher course needs to be attended, which may be achieved by attending a SAUHMA biennial Conference or dedicated CHRN / CHVN programme. Click on the link below to download the CHRN Study Manual or read it below online.
Your Instructor
Frans Johannes Cronjé
MBChB(Pretoria), MSc
Dr Frans Cronje received his Medical, BSc(Hons) and a MSc degree in Aerospace Medicine from the University of Pretoria in 1991, 1997 and 2007 respectively . He completed a clinical and research Fellowship program in Diving, Hyperbaric and Underwater Medicine at Duke University, Durham, NC, USA in 2003. He is considered the pioneer of modern hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Southern Africa and has dedicated 25 years of his professional career to introduce and expand this scientific, therapeutic modality in South Africa.
He is the founder, past President and a current Board Member of Divers Alert Network of Southern Africa – a not-for-profit company dedicated to the assistance and safety of recreational divers. He has assisted many divers both directly and through the DAN emergency Hotline over the past two decades. Formerly in private practice at the first private hyperbaric medical facility at Eugene Marais in Pretoria is now Medical Director of the Baromedical Facility at University of Stellenbosch operated by the Emergency Services of the Department of Health – Western Cape. He is also a researcher and senior lecturer at the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Division of Community Health, University of Stellenbosch.
He is the past President of the International Congress of Hyperbaric Medicine and was the host for their 17th International Meeting in Cape Town from 16-19 March 2011. Frans has also served three terms as President of the Southern African Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Association (SAUHMA) and was the founding President of the Wound Healing Association of Southern Africa (WHASA) in 2005.
Course Curriculum
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StartEffects of HBO Therapy and Oxygen
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StartOdema Reduction with HBO
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StartSquashing of Gas Bubbles in case of Gas Ebolism: Antibacterial Effects
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StartActivation of Fibroblast Proliferation & Collagen synthesis & Activation of Osteoclasts
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StartAngioneogenesis & Activation of Macrophages
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StartCarbon Monoxide & Cyanide Exposure
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StartEffects of Hyperbaric Oxygen on the Nervous System
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StartHyperbaric Oxygen: Mechanisms and efficacy 2011 Summary