From Commercial Diving To Hyperbaric Chambers: Nicole Garrett's Journey To Founding Under Pressure

Finding one's calling is a complex process often propelled by education, personal growth, miraculous accidents, and a pinch of fate. Currently the Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Under Pressure Hyperbarics, an innovative healthcare facility promoting alternative medical methods, Nicole Garrett's journey began with commercial diving.

Nicole’s fascination with the underwater world began at a young age, fueled by dreams of training dolphins and exploring uncharted depths. After analyzing the practicalities of her dream career, Nicole realized the possibilities for personal growth weren't sufficient and began seeking alternative paths. That led her to enroll in a commercial dive school, combining her love for the underwater with promising career prospects. 

Nicole Garrett

As a commercial diver, Nicole gained firsthand experience navigating the challenging underwater construction and maintenance environments. Her skills and expertise caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to her recruitment by USCD, a renowned level-one trauma center. That's where Nicole found her gateway to the world of hyperbaric medicine. Treating a diverse range of conditions spanning from crush injuries, air gas embolisms, and decompression illness to diabetic wounds and the effects of radiation for cancer treatments, Nicole refined her expertise in dive medicine and hyperbaric therapy.

Nicole’s career shifted when she became involved in traumatic brain injury research with the Department of Defense. That experience not only clarified her understanding of the potential of Hyperbarics but also ignited the urge to help medical patients in alternative ways. 

After discovering the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), including cell regeneration, collagen stimulation, and the development of new blood vessels, Nicole kept educating herself about potential use cases. Armed with newfound knowledge and a drive to make a difference, Nicole played a pivotal role in opening multi-place and mono-place hyperbaric facilities, making access to treatments more accessible for patients across the country.

Nicole quickly realized that HBOT significantly improves the health of post-cancer treatment patients, individuals with post-traumatic brain injuries, and even those with fragile immune systems. Driven by a desire to make hyperbaric therapy more accessible and impactful, Nicole made the bold leap into entrepreneurship.

However, spreading these discoveries and benefits was obscured by external factors, such as the strict US regulations regarding hyperbaric treatments. Although obtaining required FDA-approved certifications to operate high-pressure chambers is a lengthy, cost-excessive process, Nicole ensured Under Pressure conducts treatments following the strict guidelines. A testament to Nicole's dedication and passion, Under Pressure was the first facility in the US to get approved by governmental entities. 

As an advocate for positive change with an entrepreneurial drive, Nicole began exploring other avenues, eventually founding Zodiac Hyperbarics. Her other venture focuses on hyperbaric operations in tunneling projects. The most recent project was a contract with the LA Subway, ensuring construction workers remain in a safe environment. Especially with construction work, employees drill deeply into the surface, often opening the door to the Earth. If anything goes wrong, Nicole's team of experienced medics ushers in, treating injuries under pressure.

Illuminating the path for future generations, Nicole succeeded in male-dominated industries, gaining recognition and respect. From commercial diving and tunneling operations to hyperbaric medicine, she faced significant challenges and limiting stereotypical beliefs. 

"The commercial diving field has been male-dominated for years, and to this day, there's a lot of superstition regarding women on boats. Even after transferring to the medical field, men didn't appreciate a 25-year-old woman telling them what to do during training. "Over the years, I've seen more and more women entering these fields, and it's extremely gratifying," she adds.

Nicole's resilience, unwavering determination, and expertise gained her recognition. As a Certified Hyperbaric Technician (CHT) and Safety Director, she spearheaded the opening of numerous hospital-based hyperbaric facilities, positioning herself as a leader in the field. The rising interest in her wisdom led Nicole to expand Under Pressure to consulting services. She offers courses for beginner hyperbaric operators and collaborates with other experts in the industry, driving worldwide awareness of HBOT. 

In the future, Nicole will remain committed to advancing the frontiers of hyperbaric medicine. "It all started with wanting to open a hospital-grade facility that could provide services inaccessible in traditional settings and turned into a rewarding journey, both on an entrepreneurial and personal level," shared Nicole. "Under Pressure is my way of giving back to the world, spreading access to medical treatments, and contributing to the future of healthcare, one hyperbaric chamber at a time."

Image Credit: Nicole Garrett

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