Which of the following is the correct treatment for facemask or body squeeze?

• A. Never hold breath during ascent
• B. Exhale continuously during emergency ascent
• C. Ignore illnesses
• D. Apply cold packs

Answer: (D)

Air expansion during ascent is the key issue in facemask or body squeeze. As you ascend and ambient pressure drops, the air in your lungs balloons. If you hold your breath, that expanding air has nowhere to go and can rupture lung tissue or lead to an air embolism. The safest rule is to breathe continuously and avoid breath-holding, which practically means exhaling as you ascend to let expanding air escape gradually. This approach prevents the most dangerous pulmonary barotrauma that can accompany a squeeze.

Cold packs don’t address the underlying injury from squeeze and aren’t part of the treatment for this condition. If symptoms suggest decompression illness or barotrauma, provide oxygen if available and seek medical evaluation, with hyperbaric recompression as indicated.