What should divers do if they experience symptoms of oxygen toxicity?

When divers experience symptoms of oxygen toxicity, the immediate and most effective response is to ascend to a shallower depth. Oxygen toxicity typically occurs when divers breathe high concentrations of oxygen at pressures greater than normal. As the partial pressure of oxygen increases with depth, the risk of toxicity also increases. Symptoms can include visual disturbances, ringing in the ears, muscle twitching, and seizures.

Ascending to a shallower depth reduces the partial pressure of oxygen that the diver is exposed to, potentially alleviating symptoms and preventing further complications. This action is crucial because continuing to dive at deeper depths can exacerbate the condition and lead to severe health risks.

While signaling for assistance is a valuable practice in case of emergencies and continuing the dive or altering breathing rates may seem like options, they can worsen the situation since the diver remains at risk of increased toxicity. Therefore, the most immediate and appropriate course of action is to ascend to a shallower depth.