Should you discontinue oxygen first aid when an injured diver's symptoms disappear?

Discontinuing oxygen first aid when an injured diver's symptoms disappear is not advisable. The administration of oxygen, especially in cases of diving-related injuries like decompression sickness or Arterial Gas Embolism, is crucial for several reasons. First, even if symptoms appear to resolve, there may still be underlying physiological issues that have not been addressed. The effects of the dive and the injury can sometimes take time to fully manifest or may require a longer treatment duration with oxygen to ensure complete recovery and to prevent recurrence of symptoms.

Oxygen helps in reducing the size of bubbles in the bloodstream and facilitates better oxygenation of tissues, which is vital for healing. Stopping oxygen therapy prematurely can increase the risk of complications or incomplete resolution of the injury. Medical professionals typically suggest continued oxygen treatment until a thorough medical evaluation is done, ensuring that no further interventions are required.

This approach prioritizes the safety and health of the diver, making it essential not to hastily discontinue oxygen therapy based merely on symptom resolution without a comprehensive assessment.