If a diver is symptom-free upon surfacing after recompression, what is the recommended action?

• A. Place the diver on oxygen, transport to the nearest appropriate recompression chamber, and treat on Treatment Table 5. This may be waived for remote locations.
• B. Monitor the diver on the surface with no further action.
• C. Return the diver to the water for additional decompression.
• D. Leave the diver on deck with no treatment.

Answer: (A)

Decompression illness can emerge after surfacing, and symptoms aren’t the only measure of danger. Even if a diver feels fine now, there can still be circulating bubbles or latent effects that may manifest later. The standard response is to give 100% oxygen and move the diver to a recompression chamber for hyperbaric treatment, applying the appropriate treatment table (Treatment Table 5). Oxygen helps wash out inert gas and reduces bubble size, while recompression accelerates recovery and prevents progression of any latent injury.

So the best action is to provide 100% oxygen and arrange transport to the nearest suitable recompression facility to receive Treatment Table 5. In remote locations, there may be circumstances allowing a deviation from transport, but the priority remains oxygen administration and timely medical evaluation and treatment. Monitoring on the surface without action or trying to return the diver to the water would risk missed or worsening symptoms. Leaving the diver without treatment is not appropriate either.