NEURO-COGNITIVE STUDY

This study was in progress from 2006 to 2007. The primary aim of this part of the Programme, is to determine whether Airwave has any significant effect on the psychological wellbeing, or cognitive/ neuro-physiological function of users.

Selection for invitations was made according to the degree of Airwave exposure (as assessed from Airwave records), and the report or not, of adverse symptoms, based on results of the initial pilot.

All participants for the asymptomatic groups are serving Police personnel. For the symptomatic group, participants were recruited from the Forces included in the pilot study but self-referrers from other Forces also took part.

There are 3 categories

i. High exposure, asymptomatic;
ii. Low exposure, asymptomatic
iii. Symptomatic

High and low levels of exposure have been defined from analysis of TETRA records supplied by Airwave O2. Similarly, the definitions of ‘symptomatic’ and ‘asymptomatic’ will be determined from the symptom reports obtained from the Pilot phase.

YOUR COMMENTS

... the whole trip was most interesting and that I thoroughly enjoyed the tests. The opportunity to visit London in the spare time generously afforded in your program is not to be missed.

Sam, Lancashire.

Dear Reader
COGNITIVE TESTS
I recently attended the Imperial College to undertake the ‘cogs and wheels’ test there. I considered it an important research project given the uncertainty of Tetra and all those emotive arguments which accompany it.
The tests themselves took only from mid-morn to mid aft. There were no catch questions, judgemental opinions, observers, thumbscrews or stocks. In fact sitting still wearing a bizarre swimming cap playing simple computer games, was really the summary – oh and lets not forget I was being paid for being on duty.
I’d urge you, if invited, to attend the college. Yours and mines tests could help to prove or refute Tetra safety.
If that doesn’t work imagine being paid for 2 days duty, rail travel, a night in London (double room…) and a ½ days relaxed work!
Dr Nathalie will look after you – with one exception… the coffee is de-caff!
Enjoy

Simon (Lancashire Constable)

A must for every police officer who uses the airwave tetra radio system. The tests are potentially very important for our health both now and in the future. Any officer that is invited to go to London for the study would be foolish not to accept. Who knows what 'airwave' is doing to our brains / bodies and without this valuable study we'll never know! You even get your expenses back and a free overnight stay in a London B+B.

Nicola, Lancashire

I, like a lot of people filled out the questionnaire, and then took advantage of the full medical on offer from the Airwave Study Team. So when they wrote to me offering me the chance to take part in further studies at London at first I wasn’t sure, but thinking about it I felt I owed it not only to all my colleagues who use Airwaves as part of their daily life but also to myself, and it couldn’t have been easier. A nice leisurely trip down to London (all expenses paid) and 4-5 hours spent not in a scary environment but in an interesting and informative part of the studies, and for those afraid of the unknown let me assure you have nothing to worry about, memory tests and several computer games later I was out in the sunshine on route to my Hotel feeling better for helping and being part of the studies, and free to enjoy the evening and spend the next day shopping, before making back to Lancashire in style courtesy of British Rail. Remember without volunteers Airwave cannot be investigated and its ourselves working with Airwave that need to know its safe.

Janet, Lancashire

... I had a good time whilst down in London to take part in the Neurocognitive study, after my initial 'back to school' phase with the intelligence tests (the results of which I await with interest!) I then found out why I could not be a person who sits in a hairdressers chair for a few hours whilst having their hair teased through a tight fitting rubber cap, although it did have a somewhat therapeutic quality about it akin I would imagine to a Indian head massage. After then watching various flashing lights for quite a while (the results of which I genuinely await with interest) that was it.

All in all a very interesting and enjoyable few hours during which I was made to feel at ease and welcome, nothing to be worried about at all.

Steve, Lancashire

... the study will be for the benefit of all officers in the future. The survey lasts 5 hours and is quite painless you are required to do tests with and without the airwave monitor attached. Added to this is free overnight accommodation and return train fare to the college in Charing Cross. Please assist the survey....

Philip, Lancashire.

Some time after my forces introduction of the Airwave radio system I gradually became so unwell that I was admitted to Hospital. Following my return to health and subsequent duty the pain unfortunately returned. As I result of this I requested to take part in the Airwave Neurocognitive Study based at Imperial College London.

Prior to my attendance I took the opportunity to view their website and was sent plenty of information in relation to what was to take place on the day and comprehensive 'joining' instructions (e.g., caffeine intake and limiting use of mobile phones etc.) and directions.

The testing itself was conducted in a relaxed yet very professional manner and any questions I asked were answered honestly and openly. The preparation of the various wires / headwear was considerable and although the testing itself was not painful it required a great deal of concentration.

As a serving officer with understandable concerns about this new radio system I was very pleased to be able to take part in the study. Whilst the support I received from my force with regards to the study was questionable I am glad that as an individual I pushed myself forward.

For those who are prepared to put themselves out and take part I would say go for it. It is a couple of days 'away' but whilst far from being a 'jolly' you may possibly be able to help make things a little 'safer' for us all.

Simon, Avon and Somerset

The tests were an experience, I would definitely say. It was a strange experience having the [cap] fitted to my head and sitting in a darkened quiet room whilst undergoing the computer tests but one I am glad I did. There is nothing that any officer should feel wary about and if at the end of the day it brings a positive result to police officers health and welfare then we should all do it.

Andrew, Lancashire.

The study is very worthwhile and interesting, let's face it we all want to know what could happen as a result of using airwave and the only way we'll find out is by going down to London and getting involved in the study. The study itself is entirely painless and also you get to spend two days out of work, have a double hotel room for the night and a free day in London to yourselves, what more do you want?!

Steve, Lancashire

My first thoughts were one of apprehension over what had I let myself in for. These were quickly brushed aside with the friendly approach of Nathalie and her genuine interest in what we do day to day. The first tests I wondered just how well I had done but unlike the police service nowadays it is not a league table, I thoroughly enjoyed the memory test and it gave me a few ideas on how to remember more at work!!! Then came the [EEG cap] and I got to admit when I saw my self in the glass of the door I thought it was some sort of Jeremy Beadle wind up. This aside I found the tests very worth while and mentally exhausting but I hope it shows a clear result in just what are we exposed to...

Keep up the good work team

Steve, Northamptonshire