A 5-year-old Michigan child, Thomas Cooper, lost his life in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber explosion. His mother, Annie Cooper, made desperate attempts to save him, even running into the fire, but was not able to resuce her son.
The incident took place on January 31 at The Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan, while Thomas was undergoing treatment for ADHD and sleep apnea. According to the family’s attorney, James Harrington, Annie suffered severe burns while trying to reach her child.
Mother’s brave attempt to rescue her son
Annie was outside the room when she realized something was wrong. She immediately ran to the room and made multiple attempts to pull Thomas out. But, the fire’s intensity and the dangerous conditions prevented her from reaching him.
“She received severe burns in an attempt to save her child,” stated Harrington of Fieger Law, the firm investigating the incident. He criticized The Oxford Center’s emergency preparedness, calling it understaffed and lacking proper safety equipment.
Issues Regarding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves inhaling pure oxygen under pressure levels which is claimed to improve concentration, memory, and sleep.
Harrington, however, questioned the safety and efficacy of such treatment, cautioning that the facilities make unsubstantiated medical claims.
Michigan State Police have now launched an investigation into Thomas’ death.
Lawsuit Planned Against The Oxford Center
Harrington has threatened to sue The Oxford Center, alleging that some medical centers exploit desperate parents by offering untested claims of hyperbaric chambers. He also pointed out that Michigan has fewer regulation for such treatments than other states.
Recalling Thomas Cooper
Thomas was buried on February 13. His family said he was a curious, energetic, and bright child who enjoyed running, dancing, and cooking. He wanted to be a chef so he could “cook with Mommy and Daddy and stay with them forever.”
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