Effects of Acute Hypobaric Hypoxia Exposure on Neurocognitive Performance of Pre-hospital Emergency Service Providers

Effects of Acute Hypobaric Hypoxia Exposure on Neurocognitive Performance of Pre-hospital Emergency Service Providers

The study aims to evaluate the effects of acute hypobaric hypoxia on cognitive performance (H0: cognitive performance at 200 meters above sea level (asl) = cognitive performance at 3000 meters above sea level = cognitive performance at 5000 meters above sea level).

Before participating in the study, each participant will respond to a questionnaire related to high altitude exposure (prior 3 months), as well as inclusion/exclusion criteria evaluation.

On day 0, after the interview and signed informed consent, the participant will undergo a medical examination that will include a general objective examination. Participants will participate in a training on the emergency and safety procedures of the hypobaric hypoxia facility, as well as a refresh on cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedure.

During the following two days (day 1 and 2) the study protocol will be executed (one test per day). The study protocol envisages:

• a basal cognitive test battery
• blind ascent in the hypobaric chamber to simulated altitude
• cognitive test battery
• 5 minutes of recorded chest compressions on dummies
• cognitive test battery
• blind descent in the hypobaric chamber.

During the stay in the hypobaric hypoxic facility, each participant will be monitored in real time with the Equivital© medical monitoring device.

Before and after the stay in the hypobaric hypoxic facility, a saliva sample will be collected, and psychological tests administered.

Inclusion criteria:

• Healthy volunteers
• Age 18-60 yr-old
• ASA class I
• Signed informed consent

Exclusion criteria:

• Age <18 or >60 yr-old
• ASA class > I
• Informed consent not signed