What should be administered to a person exposed to gas during rescue?

Administering pure oxygen to a person exposed to gas during a rescue is based on its ability to displace harmful gases from the body and facilitate recovery from hypoxia, a condition where the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply. When individuals have been exposed to toxic gases, their bodies may suffer from reduced oxygen levels, and pure oxygen can help restore normal oxygen saturation quickly.

In cases of specific gas exposure, such as carbon monoxide, inhaling pure oxygen can significantly enhance the elimination of the gas from the bloodstream, speeding up recovery. It allows the body to flush out these harmful substances more effectively compared to just providing ambient air or other alternatives.

Other options may be ineffective or inappropriate. Cold water could potentially exacerbate the situation or induce shock; antidotes are specific to certain poisons and are not universally applicable; and compressed air, while containing oxygen, may not provide the concentrated benefit needed for effective treatment in gas exposure scenarios. Thus, pure oxygen is the most effective and appropriate choice for providing immediate assistance to those affected by gas exposure.