How is hypoxia treated according to the material?

• A. Remove air source and give diver 100% O2
• B. Increase air supply and continue at depth
• C. Wait for spontaneous recovery
• D. Administer 50% O2 and rest

Answer: (A)

Hypoxia must be addressed immediately by removing the source of insufficient oxygen and delivering the highest practical oxygen concentration. Switching to 100% oxygen floods the body with oxygen, rapidly raising arterial oxygen tension and supporting recovery of brain and other tissues. Staying on a hypoxic gas at depth continues to deprive the diver of oxygen and worsens or prolongs symptoms. Waiting for spontaneous recovery is dangerous because brain injury can occur if oxygen delivery is not restored promptly. Administering only 50% oxygen is less effective for a quick reversal than 100% oxygen, so the fastest, most reliable correction is to remove the hypoxic gas and provide pure oxygen.