Motus Aquaticus

Below is a list of facilities in North Carolina and South Carolina known to have hyperbaric chambers capable of treating decompression sickness (DCS) as of March 21, 2025. This is based on available information from sources like the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), Divers Alert Network (DAN), and facility websites. Not all hyperbaric facilities treat DCS—some focus on wound care—so I’ve prioritized those with emergency DCS capabilities. Availability can shift due to staffing or policy changes, so always confirm with the facility or DAN (919-684-9111) before relying on these.

North Carolina

1. Duke University Hospital – Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental Physiology
   • Location: Durham, NC, 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27710
   • Details: Features the largest multiplace hyperbaric chamber in the U.S., treating up to 12 patients at once. Only facility in the Mid-Atlantic with all physicians board-certified in hyperbaric medicine. UHMS-accredited “With Distinction” and US Navy-certified. 24/7 emergency DCS treatment.
   • Contact: (919) 684-8111 (ask for hyperbaric physician on call)
2. Hyperbaric NC
   • Location: Raleigh, NC, 3020 New Bern Ave, Suite 510, Raleigh, NC 27610
   • Details: Private clinic with FDA-approved Sechrist 3600H monoplace chambers. Treats DCS among other conditions; emphasizes customized care. Open for emergencies with prior coordination.
   • Contact: (919) 926-3010
3. Novant Health Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine
   • Location: Charlotte, NC, 200 Hawthorne Ln, Charlotte, NC 28204 (Presbyterian Medical Center)
   • Details: Offers monoplace chambers for HBOT, including DCS treatment. Part of Novant Health’s wound care program; UHMS-certified staff available. Emergency access depends on hospital scheduling.
   • Contact: (704) 384-4000

South Carolina

4. Better Life Carolinas – Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy
   • Location: Charleston, SC, 1039 Anna Knapp Blvd, Suite 101, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
   • Details: Private facility with monoplace chambers. Treats DCS alongside wellness therapies; experienced in dive-related emergencies. Not 24/7—call to confirm availability.
   • Contact: (843) 410-2952

Notes

• Limited Coverage: North Carolina has robust options, especially with Duke’s world-class facility. South Carolina’s DCS treatment is less centralized—Better Life is the standout, but emergency access may require travel (e.g., to Duke or Georgia facilities like Augusta University).
• Historical Shifts: Some NC facilities (e.g., WakeMed) and SC sites (e.g., Roper St. Francis) have scaled back DCS services, focusing on wound care. Duke remains the regional DCS hub.
• Verification: Policies and staffing can change—e.g., a 2023 InDEPTH article noted declining DCS chamber access nationwide. Contact DAN’s 24/7 hotline (919-684-9111) for real-time guidance or transport coordination.

This reflects current known options, but the hyperbaric landscape evolves. If diving in the Carolinas, especially coastal areas, pre-plan with these facilities in mind.