How long should you observe a diver after completing recompression treatment?

• A. 2 hours
• B. 6 hours
• C. 12 hours
• D. 24 hours

Answer: (B)

Observing after recompression treats decompression illness, because symptoms can recur or new effects can appear in the hours following therapy. The first several hours represent the period of greatest risk for late or recurrent symptoms as bubbles shift, dissolve, or re-form. Keeping the diver under medical supervision for about six hours allows for timely detection and management of any return or worsening of symptoms, ensures vital signs and neurological status remain stable, and confirms it’s safe to discharge or continue care.

Choosing a shorter window, like two hours, increases the chance of missing a late recurrence. Extending the observation to twelve or twenty-four hours isn’t typically necessary unless symptoms persist or new issues develop, and it can unnecessarily consume resources.