What first aid treatment should be administered for decompression sickness?

Immediate oxygen therapy and rapid transportation to a hyperbaric chamber is the appropriate first aid treatment for decompression sickness. This condition occurs when dissolved gases, primarily nitrogen, come out of solution and form bubbles in the body due to rapid pressure changes, often experienced by divers.

Administering oxygen is crucial because it helps to reduce the size of the gas bubbles and increases the amount of oxygen available to the tissues. This is vital for promoting healing and preventing further injury. Rapid transportation to a hyperbaric chamber is equally important, as hyperbaric oxygen therapy allows for the reduction of atmospheric pressure and enhances the oxygen absorption, facilitating the safe elimination of the nitrogen bubbles and alleviating symptoms more effectively than ground-level treatment.

Other options do not address the critical nature of this medical emergency. For example, simply elevating and icing the injured area may not alleviate the underlying problem of gas bubbles forming, while pain relievers and monitoring would not provide any real treatment for the condition. Additionally, advising the diver to remain still and hydrated is not sufficient to counteract the potentially life-threatening effects of decompression sickness. Therefore, immediate oxygen therapy combined with transportation to a hyperbaric facility is essential for effective management of this condition.