Scuba Diving International (SDI) Computer Nitrox Practice Exam

What is the most important first-aid procedure for decompression sickness?

1. Transport to the surface quickly

2. Administration of cold water

3. Administration of pure oxygen

4. Allowing the diver to rest

The correct answer is: Administration of pure oxygen

The most important first-aid procedure for decompression sickness is the administration of pure oxygen. This is because pure oxygen helps to reduce the size of nitrogen bubbles that form in the bloodstream and tissues when a diver ascends too quickly or spends too long at a depth. By breathing in high concentrations of oxygen, the diver can experience a reduction in the local pressure of nitrogen bubbles, allowing for more efficient absorption of these bubbles back into the body's tissues. This process not only aids in alleviating symptoms but also reduces the risk of further complications. In addition to being a treatment method, pure oxygen therapy supports the body's natural healing mechanisms, improving tissue oxygenation and promoting the elimination of nitrogen from the system. This is an essential aspect of managing decompression sickness effectively. Other methods, such as transporting the diver to the surface quickly or allowing them to rest, do not directly address the physiological effects of decompression sickness and may even exacerbate the condition if not properly managed. Cold water administration can be harmful as well, as it could lead to additional problems like hypothermia. Therefore, the primary focus in handling decompression sickness should always be administering pure oxygen until more advanced care can be provided.