If a diver with Type 1 DCS wants to sit up to call his family, what should you recommend?

A diver experiencing Type 1 Decompression Sickness (DCS) is experiencing symptoms that indicate nitrogen bubbles are forming in the bloodstream or tissues, which can lead to serious complications if not managed properly. It is crucial for the diver to remain calm and minimize any exertion to avoid exacerbating the situation.

Recommending that the diver stay lying down and breathe oxygen is essential because this approach helps to reduce the risk of further injury. Lying down minimizes the movement of bubbles within the bloodstream, allowing time for their size to potentially decrease as the diver breathes 100% oxygen. This is a critical part of the treatment for DCS since it helps facilitate the elimination of nitrogen from the body.

Breathing oxygen can also provide relief from symptoms and improve the diver’s condition while waiting for further help. Mobility, such as sitting up or making a call, can hinder treatment and increase discomfort. Therefore, the recommendation to keep the diver in a prone position, breathing oxygen, is the most appropriate action in this scenario.