Oxygen first aid for diving accidents

Oxygen First Aid is the immediate administration of high-concentration oxygen to a diver after an accident. This process helps flush nitrogen out of the body during emergencies. You will find these kits on most liveaboards in Komodo or at dive centers like Ban’s Diving in Koh Tao. Most kits provide 100% medical grade oxygen through a non-rebreather mask. It works best because it speeds up the removal of inert gases from your tissues.

Never wait for a doctor to start this process. A common mistake is using too little flow during a suspected bend. Always ensure the regulator on the kit delivers at least 15 L/min. Check your kit’s pressure gauge before you leave the dock. If the needle sits below 200 bar, ask the crew for a refill immediately.