The issue of oxygen administration in the situation you have described has prompted very spirited discussion among experts. There are very appropriate and valid arguments that can be made regarding any particular approach. In our experience at DAN there is no true “one-size-fits-all” solution. There are innumerable scenarios and events that do not provide a clear universal solution. Obviously in water recompression is not recommended as a viable plan outside of the military/commercial operations theater. The data available clearly supports the use of surface oxygen for symptomatic individuals. There is little to no data relevant to asymptomatic divers.

DAN encourages each dive operator, scientific group or organization to work with local medical authorities to develop their own specific policy. There are problems and advantages to either approach. Again based on our experience at DAN, neither the “wait and see” approach nor the “prophylactic oxygen” approach has been verified to alter any outcome. DAN is available for consultation to any group or organization that develops a policy. We can provide the contact information for local dive medicine experts to also assist in policy conception. If we can be any further assistance do not hesitate to contact DAN.