What is one option if a diver has less than a 5-minute surface interval?

For a diver who has had a surface interval of less than 5 minutes, the correct response is to conduct a treatment that allows for a safe recovery while managing the risks associated with rapid ascents. Specifically, treating the diver in water for an additional period, such as 30 minutes, allows for proper decompression and helps to prevent decompression sickness, which can occur due to insufficient surface intervals.

This approach provides time for the body to off-gas nitrogen and safely equilibrate after diving, reducing the likelihood of nitrogen bubbles forming in the tissues or bloodstream. It acknowledges the risks associated with minimal surface intervals and prioritizes the divers' health and safety during the transition back to the surface environment.

By treating the diver in water instead of surfacing immediately or ignoring the short surface interval, this option emphasizes the importance of a systematic response to pressure-related concerns after diving, thereby adhering to safe diving practices and protocols.