Which treatment table is used when a diver asymptomatically omits decompression from 20 or 30 feet and has 2 or fewer O2 periods?

Treatment table 5 is specifically designed for situations involving asymptomatic divers who have omitted decompression after dives at depths of 20 or 30 feet, particularly when the diver has had 2 or fewer oxygen periods. This treatment table allows for a controlled approach to managing the risk of decompression sickness (DCS), aligning with the safe practices established in hyperbaric medicine.

The rationale behind utilizing Treatment table 5 is its balanced protocol that accommodates the diver’s current asymptomatic status, ensuring that they are monitored and provided with appropriate oxygen therapy to minimize any potential risk of developing symptoms from omitted decompression. The focus is on reducing bubble formation and facilitating the elimination of inert gas from tissues while avoiding unnecessary complications associated with deeper treatments or extended protocols.

The other treatment tables are intended for different scenarios that may involve deeper dives, symptomatic patients, or those with a greater number of O2 periods, each with tailored decompression schedules designed to address the specific needs and risks associated with those cases. Thus, using Treatment table 5 for this particular situation provides the safest and most effective approach.