A Daniel Nardiello penalty five minutes from time gave the Reds a disappointing point against 10 men Hartlepool but worse was the injury to defender Neil Austin.
Austin left the pitch on a stretcher with a serious ankle ligament injury just before half-time. Hartlepool's John Brackstone's followed him off with a red card.
Hartlepool took the lead on 47 minutes through David Foley.
Reds left-back Robbie Williams limped off with an ankle injury just after half-time.
BARNSLEY LINE-UP: Scarsella, Austin (Harban 43), Williams (Heslop 50), Laight, Atkinson, Tonge, Burns, Nardiello, Stallard, Onibuje, Baker.