From working in disaster zones to saving limbs through hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Dave Campbell’s career has always been about service. Now, his commitment to excellence is making a lasting difference for Hendricks Regional Health patients.

Dave joined Hendricks in June 2019 as a hyperbaric technician, but his journey to this role is rooted in a lifetime of public service. He began his career as an EMT in college, then spent 26 years as a paramedic firefighter and fire captain with the City of Lawrence Fire Department. During that time, he also served as a task force leader with Indiana Task Force One, responding to some of the nation’s most significant disasters, including the 9/11 terror attacks and multiple hurricanes.

Dave retired from fire service but wasn’t ready for life as a full-time retiree. When he saw a job posting for a hyperbaric technician at Hendricks, he discussed it with his wife. She encouraged him to leverage his extensive background in public safety and emergency medicine and pursue the job.

Dave embraced the transition with the same dedication he’s shown throughout his 40-year career. Ensuring safety in such a high-oxygen environment requires precision, discipline, and deep technical knowledge – traits that come naturally to a former firefighter. He spent several months completing a rigorous class and hundreds of hours of hands-on training to earn his technician certificate. But that wasn’t enough for Dave. “I like to learn about what I’m doing and be the best I can at it,” he says.

Last year, he became one of the first three people in the nation to earn certification in hyperbaric safety. On the surface, a safety certification may not seem unusual. But those who know hyperbarics understand just how exceptional this is. Hyperbaric chamber fires have killed two people this year in the United States. These tragedies and his commitment to his patients drive Dave to ensure every aspect of the chamber environment is meticulously controlled. That compassion and consistency have made Dave a favorite among patients and a vital part of Hendricks’ Wound Care team.

Lisa Imlay, Hendricks’ Chief Quality Officer, says Dave’s level of expertise is rare. “Dave’s caliber of knowledge and dedication not only support the care we provide to our patients but also extend our reputation well beyond our primary and secondary service areas,” she said. “In fact, patients specifically seek out Hendricks Regional Health because of Dave’s leadership in this specialty.”

Dave is more than just a hyperbaric technician; he is a pillar of support and healing for countless patients navigating the complexities of recovery.