What type of first aid is commonly recommended for diving injuries?

The recommended first aid for diving injuries focuses on ensuring the safety and stabilization of the diver. This includes providing oxygen, which is essential in cases of decompression sickness or nitrogen narcosis, as it helps reduce symptoms and aids the body in recovering from the effects of the dive.

Contacting emergency services is crucial because diving injuries often require specialized medical treatment, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is best administered in a medical facility equipped for such conditions. Stabilizing the diver involves keeping them calm and still to prevent further complications and allow for proper assessment of their condition.

Cooling the diver down, while it may be relevant in certain situations, is not a standard first aid response for diving-related injuries. Similarly, giving the diver water is not advisable, especially if they are experiencing symptoms that may affect their ability to swallow or if they require immediate medical attention. Performing CPR is important in cases of cardiac arrest but should only be done if the diver is unresponsive and not breathing, rather than as a standard response to diving injuries. Thus, thorough knowledge of appropriate first aid measures is vital for dive supervisors to effectively manage diving emergencies.