What is the primary first aid response for Decompression Illness (DCI)?

The primary first aid response for Decompression Illness (DCI) is to administer oxygen. This response is crucial because supplemental oxygen helps to displace nitrogen from the body's tissues and aids in the elimination of bubbles that form as a result of DCI. By providing high concentrations of oxygen, you increase the partial pressure of oxygen in the tissues, which enhances the uptake of oxygen by the affected cells and helps to mitigate the symptoms of decompression sickness, such as pain and neurological effects.

When a diver experiences DCI, time is of the essence, and administering oxygen can be a critical initial measure while awaiting transport to a hyperbaric facility for definitive treatment. This intervention is well-established in emergency protocols for DCI, as it directly addresses the physiological processes involved in the illness.

Other options, such as administering ice packs or keeping the diver active, do not provide the necessary therapeutic benefits and can be counterproductive. Similarly, while caffeine is a stimulant, it does not have a recognized role in the immediate management of DCI.