Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting pilots and other crew members of high-performance aircrafts, especially people wearing pressure suits (1) according to the hydrostatic principle with veins (6) filled with liquid. Said device consists of a tension pocket (2) located in the region of the back and a pressure pocket (3) located in the abdominal region, airtight bladders (4) being inserted into both pockets. Said bladders (4) contain woven spacer elements (5) defining a minimum air volume in the bladders (4). In the event of falling ambient pressure, the pressure pocket (3) first expands and supports the breathing of the person wearing the device by means of pressure on the viscera, when pressure respiration appliances are used. If the ambient pressure falls further, the tension pocket (2) inflates and increases the peripheral tension in the pressure suit (1). In this way, for example, a decompression syndrome can be counteracted in the event of a sudden pressure drop in the cabin at high altitude.