What is the first course of action for a diver who complains of chest pain and difficulty taking a deep breath after surfacing?

In a situation where a diver experiences chest pain and difficulty breathing after surfacing, the most critical and immediate concern is addressing a potential medical emergency that could involve conditions such as decompression sickness or arterial gas embolism (AGE). The initial step should always focus on ensuring the diver's safety and addressing their symptoms based on priority.

Performing a neurological exam is essential to determine if the symptoms could indicate AGE, which is a serious condition that can occur when a diver surfaces too quickly, leading to bubbles forming in the bloodstream. These bubbles can cause neurological symptoms if they travel to the brain. In such a case, identifying any neurological deficits is crucial to guiding further emergency treatment and response. Promptly recognizing signs of AGE can lead to faster and more effective treatment, which is vital to the diver's health.

While administering oxygen is a critical component of treatment for various diving-related illnesses, it should follow the assessment of symptoms and identifying the nature of the problem. Likewise, contacting emergency services is essential, but it ideally follows immediate evaluation and management of the diver's condition. Checking for buoyancy issues can be important for preventing future incidents but does not address the current medical emergency. Thus, the comprehensive approach in this scenario starts with evaluating the diver's neurological state,