Firefighters with Long COVID receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Lisa said: “As time went on, I just didn’t seem to be getting back to my normal self. I was extremely fatigued, almost zombie-like.    

“I’d be breathless after climbing a flight of stairs, which was quite concerning as I’ve always kept myself relatively fit for my role.”    

Lisa was also affected by ‘brain fog’ and experienced a range of further physical symptoms.    

“I’d find myself in a bit of a haze when trying to carry out simple problem solving, decision making and organising. I just couldn’t retain information and recall was also an issue. I would feel disoriented at times and my balance was also affected, mainly on climbing stairs.    

In November 2021, the WMFS Occupational Health team offered her a course of hyperbaric oxygen therapy - and she says it was a game changer.    

“I honestly don’t know what I’d have done without it, or even whether I could have returned to work. The first week was extremely tiring, as I got used to the travelling and the treatment on top of COVID symptoms.    

“But I persevered and the fatigue lifted after the second week. After week three - wow – all my symptoms had gone. I was back running, in the gym, swimming and the stairs were no longer an issue.    

“The difference between pre- and post-treatment cognitive tests was astonishing. It suddenly became clear why I’d been feeling like a zombie.   

“I’m now back at work and will hopefully be back up to full duties by May. It has been a long journey, but I honestly don’t think this would have been possible without the chamber sessions.”

His symptoms were very similar to those of Lisa and Phil (above). Kash said he “had reached the point where I was willing to try anything” when he began his hyperbaric treatment.   

“I feel exceptionally lucky and privileged to have had the opportunity to be treated. I’d got to a place of despair, thinking nothing would improve things. My GP did blood tests and told me to rest, but no amount of rest was helping.    

“Having access to the treatment via WMFS has had a really positive effect on me and my wellbeing. This is not something I would have usually made the time for but, having gone through the process, I recommend it for people in similar situations.”   

Kash described his treatment experience.    

“The mental and physical tests on the first day provided some clear evidence that things weren’t right. My oxygen saturation was low, my peak flow was limited and the basic sit-stand test for one minute felt like running a marathon. My mental tests showed the effects of the brain fog very clearly.   

“The staff at the centre were very friendly. They gave me an idea of what to expect, but the experience is very different to anything I’ve done before.    

“You get changed into medical scrubs and sit in an allocated seat. They slowly pressurise the chamber. As this happens you have to keep clearing your ears. Once at depth, you’re on the oxygen mask for three 30-minute periods, with breaks in between, then you ‘surface’ again.    

“Having a member of staff and other people with you, who are going through the same thing, helps you feel safe and looked after.    

“I started to notice changes from the first week. My brain fog started to clear, which helped me to feel more positive and upbeat.    

“Breathing was becoming easier, I was standing up straighter and, towards the end of the first week, I noticed that my pain was reducing as well.    

“I started to have more energy. It sounds silly, but I cleaned my shoes and cut my grass, which would have taken too much effort before the treatment.    

“I have to keep reminding myself that progress isn't a straight line. Some days were better than others but, overall, the lack of pain and ability to think more clearly had the biggest positive impact for me. I’m less tired, able to do more and hopeful that will continue to improve.”