What are the three main objectives for a recompression chamber?

• A. Treat DCS and AGE; Surface decompression; Pressure test for prospective divers
• B. Provide warmth, hydration, and rest to the diver
• C. Recharge the chamber’s oxygen supply and update charts
• D. Perform routine maintenance and calibration only

Answer: (A)

The main purpose of a recompression chamber is threefold: to provide definitive medical treatment for decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism, to allow surface decompression when a safe ascent cannot be managed immediately, and to pressure-test prospective divers under controlled conditions before they dive.

Treating DCS and AGE relies on increasing ambient pressure to shrink the gas bubbles formed in tissues and blood, while high O2 helps accelerate off-gassing and recovery. Surface decompression in the chamber offers a controlled way to reduce bubbles and symptoms when a standard surface ascent isn’t feasible or when a staged decompression is safer in a monitored environment. Finally, pressure-testing prospective divers ensures they can tolerate hyperbaric exposure and that procedures, equipment, and safety protocols work as intended before real missions or dives.

Warmth, hydration, and rest are supportive care, but they don’t address the core medical and safety objectives of chamber use. Maintenance tasks like recharging oxygen or updating charts are essential for operation, but they’re not the primary clinical roles of the chamber.