The effect of acute hypoxia during altitude exposure on the performance of some affected occupational groups (pilots, astronauts, members of the military) has been extensively studied in recent decades. This has led to regulations, special training and supplemental oxygen at certain altitudes for these groups. However, one group that has been studied very little to date is rescuers. At the HFSJG, a research group from Inselspital Bern attempted to shed some light on this issue.
Drs Sven Straumann and Jürgen Knapp, together with medical students Lea Wahl and Anna Zimmermann, travelled to the Jungfraujoch with simulation and video equipment to test 20 experienced emergency physicians in a total of 60 simulated emergency scenarios over eight days. The video recordings will be compared with recordings of simulation scenarios in Bern using standardised scores by three independent experts. The aim is to determine whether emergency physicians can provide equally good medical treatment at altitude, and whether symptoms of acute altitude sickness or supplemental oxygen influence the quality of the treatment they provide.
The study is currently still collecting data–no statements can yet be made about its endpoints. A publication is expected towards the end of 2025. Pictures: © Sven Straumann, Inselspital