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Chapter 22 — 4
CO
2
toxicity may increase the likelihood of decompression sickness, oxygen toxicity,
nitrogen narcosis and resistance to breathing (because of increased respiration). As with
oxygen toxicity, there is sometimes an “off effect” whereby the symptoms of CO
2
toxicity
are temporarily worsened when a diver suddenly resumes breathing normal gases after
partially adapting to a high CO
2
pressure.
Treatment
Any diver, diving with rebreathing equipment, who experiences symptoms of CO
2
toxicity
should immediately
cease exertion, inform his buddy, flush
the rebreathing system with
fresh gas, then return to the surface by a
buoyant ascent
and
breathe air.
Attendants of a surfaced diver suffering from CO
2
toxicity should isolate him from the source
of CO
2
rebreathing, give
100% oxygen
by mask, and administer
basic life support
(see
Chapter 42) including cardiopulmonary
resuscitation
if appropriate.
Other causes of headache and breathing difficulties such as pulmonary barotrauma,
decompression sickness, carbon monoxide toxicity etc. should also be excluded (see Chapter
32).
The severe headache which follows CO
2
toxicity should be treated with a simple analgesic
such as paracetamol (acetaminophen).