During hypoxia treatment, what must be done when the diver is brought to the surface?

• A. The diver must be brought to the surface, remove the mouthpiece and allow the diver to breathe fresh air
• B. Continue breathing the mouthpiece gas until fully surfaced
• C. Descend briefly to recheck equipment
• D. Ignore symptoms and proceed to the surface slowly

Answer: (A)

When hypoxia is present, the goal is to restore adequate oxygen as quickly as possible. On the surface, you must remove the mouthpiece so the diver can breathe ambient air immediately. This stops delivering the hypoxic breathing mix from the rebreather and allows rapid re-oxygenation with fresh air, reducing ongoing brain and tissue oxygen deprivation. After surfacing, monitor the diver and provide medical care or oxygen per protocol if symptoms persist.