A diver with a scuba accident is suspected of having an air embolism. What prehospital action is most critical?

• A. Move to a warm environment
• B. Give water
• C. Administer oxygen and arrange rapid transport to a recompression facility
• D. Delay treatment until symptoms worsen

Answer: (C)

Air embolism from a diving accident is a life-threatening emergency where nitrogen bubbles can block blood flow to the brain and heart. The most critical prehospital step is to give high-flow oxygen to both maximize oxygen delivery and promote faster bubble resolution, and to get the patient to a hyperbaric oxygen therapy facility as quickly as possible. Administering 100% oxygen helps reduce the size of the bubbles and improves tissue oxygenation, while rapid transport to a recompression chamber provides definitive treatment that can reverse the embolism.

Other actions don’t address the underlying problem. Moving to a warmer environment or giving water won’t treat the embolism, and delaying treatment until symptoms worsen can lead to permanent injury or death.