What is the purpose of administering pure oxygen during a mine rescue?

Administering pure oxygen during a mine rescue is crucial because it aids in oxygen restoration for victims who may be suffering from hypoxia or diminished oxygen levels due to smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide exposure, or other circumstances that can occur in a mine environment. When the body is deprived of adequate oxygen, vital organs and tissues can become starved, leading to serious health complications or even death. By providing pure oxygen, it helps to rapidly increase the amount of oxygen available in the bloodstream, replacing deficient levels and promoting recovery of lung function.

This process can help reverse the effects of asphyxiation and improve the chances of survival, making it a fundamental practice during rescue operations in mines. The other options, while they may seem plausible, do not accurately represent the primary purpose of pure oxygen administration. Hydration, carbon replacement, or toxin flushing, while important in certain contexts, do not encapsulate the primary objective of restoring oxygen levels in a rescue scenario.