What treatment is recommended for an individual experiencing a shallow water blackout?

Prepare for the CEODD Dive Medicine Exam with our comprehensive test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each equipped with hints and explanations to ensure you are well-prepared and confident on test day.

The recommended treatment for an individual experiencing a shallow water blackout is to remove them from the water. This is crucial because a shallow water blackout typically occurs when a person hyperventilates before diving or swimming, leading to a rapid drop in carbon dioxide levels that can cause unconsciousness. When an individual is in the water and unresponsive, there is a significant risk of drowning.

By safely removing them from the water, immediate attention can be directed toward ensuring their airway is clear, assessing their level of consciousness, and initiating necessary rescue measures, such as calling emergency services or beginning first aid if they are not breathing.

The other options, while they may seem reasonable in different contexts, do not directly address the immediate danger posed by a shallow water blackout. For instance, encouraging them to swim can worsen the situation, and providing food or monitoring blood pressure does not address the urgent need for safety and medical intervention. Thus, prompt removal from the water is the most effective action.

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