Flight personnel should avoid low-pressure chamber flights for how long after scuba diving?

The correct answer is that flight personnel should avoid low-pressure chamber flights for 24 hours after scuba diving. This guideline is based on the risk of decompression sickness, also known as "the bends." When a diver ascends to the surface after a dive, nitrogen that has been absorbed into the body under high pressure must be eliminated safely. If a diver were to fly in a low-pressure environment before the nitrogen has fully dissipated, it could lead to decompression sickness, as the reduced pressure could cause nitrogen bubbles to form in the body.

The 24-hour recommendation allows ample time for nitrogen levels to normalize and for the body to adequately expel nitrogen from the tissues, ensuring a safer transition back to a low-pressure environment. This safety precaution helps to protect flight personnel from potential medical emergencies that could arise from improper ascent timing from diving activities.

Understanding this timing is crucial in ensuring the safety of personnel involved in aviation and underwater activities.