What is crucial to do when performing first aid after a diving accident?

Calling for help immediately is crucial in the event of a diving accident because it ensures that professional medical assistance is on the way as soon as possible. This can be vital, as many diving-related injuries and incidents, such as decompression sickness or air embolism, can lead to serious complications if not treated swiftly. The sooner qualified responders are alerted, the quicker they can provide the necessary care.

While assessing stress and anxiety is important for understanding the diver's condition and providing emotional support, it should not delay the call for help. Taking detailed notes can be useful for medical personnel later, but it is not given priority since immediate assistance is required. Performing a quick dive review may help in assessing the situation but is secondary to ensuring that someone is on the way to provide professional medical attention. Therefore, the first step should always be to call for help, ensuring that every second counts in potentially life-threatening situations.