Feasibility of utilizing a functional near-infrared spectroscopy to measure cognitive load of paramedicine students undertaking high-acuity clinical simulations in Australia: a case report

Paramedicine education often uses high-fidelity simulations that mimic real-life emergencies. These experiences can trigger stress responses characterised by physiological changes, including alterations in cerebral blood flow and oxygenation. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is emerging as a promising tool for assessing cognitive stress in educational settings. Eight final year undergraduate paramedicine students completed two high acuity scenarios seven days apart. Real-time continuous recording of cerebral blood flow and oxygenation levels in the prefrontal cortex was undertaken via fNIRS as a means of assessing neural activity during stressful scenarios.