What criteria dictate when to administer oxygen to a diver post-rescue?

Administering oxygen to a diver post-rescue is vital for several reasons, particularly when certain critical criteria are met. The presence of signs such as breathlessness, confusion, or potential decompression sickness indicates that the diver may be experiencing serious physiological distress, which can result from a variety of underwater emergencies.

In the case of decompression sickness or other diving-related injuries, oxygen can significantly improve the diver's condition by delivering high concentrations that help alleviate symptoms, enhance recovery, and facilitate the elimination of nitrogen from the body. Breathlessness typically suggests that the diver is not receiving enough oxygen, making it crucial to provide supplemental oxygen to prevent further complications. Confusion could signal a lack of adequate blood flow to the brain, exacerbated by underwater incidents, so prompt oxygen administration becomes even more critical in these situations to safeguard neurological function and overall health.

In contrast, administering oxygen solely based on a diver's request may overlook serious indicators that require immediate attention. Identifying visible injuries alone does not necessarily justify administering oxygen unless those injuries are associated with distress or conditions warranting its use, such as decompression sickness. Similarly, while discomfort can indicate issues, it may not be as urgent a criterion as the presence of life-threatening symptoms like breathlessness or confusion.