What should be considered when completing decompression in the chamber if symptoms of toxicity appear?

In scenarios where symptoms of toxicity emerge during decompression in a chamber, it is crucial to recognize that time on air can indeed be considered "dead time." This means it does not contribute beneficially to the diver's recovery process. Instead, hazardous conditions can arise if divers remain on air while experiencing toxicity symptoms, potentially prolonging exposure to the irritants.

During decompression, the focus is on managing the diver's safety and ensuring that harmful effects from increased pressure or retained nitrogen are minimized. Time spent on air when symptoms of toxicity occur can exacerbate the situation, thus affecting recovery timelines and increasing risks. The diver's safety is paramount, and any time spent under potentially stressful conditions without adequate relief is critical to consider.

While the assessment of oxygen levels, the need for immediate surfacing, and monitoring vital signs are all important aspects of diver safety, the context provided in the question highlights the significance of recognizing dead time to manage toxicity symptoms effectively during decompression. This focus on optimizing the diver's time and safety during decompression aligns with best practices in dive medicine and safety protocols.