What is the treatment for a diver experiencing hypothermia?

The recommended treatment for a diver experiencing hypothermia is to abort the dive, follow the decompression plan, and begin gradual re-warming after surfacing. This approach is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of the diver.

Firstly, aborting the dive is critical as remaining underwater can exacerbate the condition by exposing the diver to further cold and preventing necessary treatment. Following the decompression plan is also important to avoid additional diving-related risks, such as decompression sickness, which can occur if a diver ascends too rapidly after aborting a dive.

Once safely on the surface, gradual re-warming is preferred over immediate or aggressive warming methods. Rapid re-warming can lead to complications such as shock or further disturbances in the body's core temperature, creating potential health risks. Therefore, a methodical approach allows the body to regain warmth safely without causing additional stress.

In comparison, continuing to dive until comfortable poses severe risks, as it ignores the need for immediate treatment of hypothermia. Immediate re-warming on-site without consideration for decompression can lead to dangerous situations if the diver has not safely ascended. Using hot packs while still in the water can also lead to uneven temperature changes and possibly increase the risk of shock. Therefore