Under what condition can air evacuation of patients occur?

The air evacuation of patients is governed by strict protocols to ensure the safety of the patients and the personnel involved in the evacuation process. The correct condition for air evacuation of patients is based on the recommendation of a Diving Medical Officer. This is essential because they are trained to assess the medical needs and risks associated with divers and the conditions that might lead to complications, such as decompression sickness or other dive-related health issues.

The Diving Medical Officer evaluates the patient's condition, taking into account factors such as the dive profile, symptoms of any dive-related illnesses, and overall stability of the patient. Following their assessment, they can make an informed decision on whether air evacuation is necessary and safe for the patient. This oversight is critical in preventing further injury or complications that could arise during evacuation.

In contrast, other options do not provide the necessary safety checks and evaluations needed before an air evacuation. For instance, the notion that evacuation could happen anytime after decompression does not consider the possible medical conditions that could arise post-dive. Similarly, while meeting surface intervals and asymptomatic status may seem like reasonable conditions, they do not replace the specialized assessment that a Diving Medical Officer provides. These evaluations are integral in ensuring that the patient receives the correct level of care and that evacuation is