What time should a diver remain at the treatment depth before beginning ascent?

The recommended duration for a diver to remain at the treatment depth before beginning ascent is at least 30 minutes. This time is crucial for allowing adequate nitrogen off-gassing, reducing the risk of decompression sickness. During this period, the inert gases absorbed during the dive are carefully eliminated from the body while at the treatment depth, where pressure is increased, aiding in safer decompression.

In hyperbaric treatment, staying at the designated depth allows for physiological processes to stabilize and ensures that the diver is ready to ascend without complications. This is especially important for divers who may have experienced issues related to nitrogen saturation, as a proper treatment duration is a vital step in ensuring safety post-dive. Hence, a 30-minute hold at the treatment depth aligns with established safety protocols in diving medicine and hyperbaric therapy.