Why is emergency oxygen viewed as essential for cavern diving?

Emergency oxygen is viewed as essential for cavern diving primarily because it plays a crucial role in the treatment of decompression sickness (DCS). In the event a diver ascends too quickly or experiences inadequate decompression, nitrogen bubbles can form in the bloodstream or tissues, leading to DCS. Administering 100% oxygen helps reduce the size of these bubbles and facilitates their elimination from the body. By providing supplemental oxygen, divers can significantly improve their chances of recovery from symptoms associated with DCS while awaiting further medical assistance or evacuation.

The other options, while they may have some relevance to diving, do not directly address critical emergency response needs. Keeping divers awake, preventing overheating, or ensuring maximum dive time are useful considerations, but they do not significantly impact a diver's safety in emergency situations like DCS treatment does. This understanding emphasizes the importance of being prepared for potential emergencies in cavern diving scenarios.