If you experience symptoms of oxygen toxicity, what is the best course of action?

Experiencing symptoms of oxygen toxicity is a serious concern for divers since it can lead to severe complications, including seizures and loss of consciousness underwater. The best course of action when faced with these symptoms is to end the dive immediately by making a normal ascent.

Ascending to a shallower depth reduces the partial pressure of oxygen in the breathing gas, which alleviates the symptoms and decreases the risk of further complications associated with oxygen toxicity. It's critical to prioritize safety and ensure that the diver reaches a safe environment where they can recover and assess their condition properly. The normal ascent allows the diver to maintain control and avoid panic while minimizing the risks associated with oxygen toxicity.

Choosing to ignore the symptoms or continue with the dive could lead to dangerous consequences. Alternatively, signaling a buddy to swim shallower or attempting to take deep breaths may not provide the immediate relief needed and could exacerbate the situation if the diver does not ascend adequately. Making an immediate ascent is the most effective response to this potentially life-threatening scenario.