The Positive Impact Alliance
The Current Standard of First Responder Recovery
Because their jobs are both physically & mentally demanding, first responders have increased risk of chronic illness, heart attacks & decreased life expectancy. As a resu, there has been a decline in the longevity of these careers, resulting in extra costs for both cities & their citizens. Studies show "the timeline for recovery from firefighting is significantly longer than the typical 10–20 minute rehabilitation period
that is often provided on the fireground" (Horn et al., 2011), and despite these strenuous conditions & daily sacrifices, there are some stations that have banned the use of ice baths & other novel therapies as a recovery modality.
However, the Recharge Room, founded by Rich Ganley, offers mobile cold plunge therapy within their 33-minute recovery sessions. In a recent interview with Professor Seager, Rich Ganley offered insight into the way cold therapy, along with other proactive therapies, can aid first responders in recovery from the stress of everyday duty.
Ganley explains that the benefits of these sessions have been "life changing" for some first responders. After a session in the Recharge Room, firefighters are reporting better sleep, as well as reduced pain & aches. Additionally, some firefighters experienced that they no longer smell like smoke after purging toxins from their bodies. Policemen have been able to unwind after grueling, exhausting shifts. Alongside this, retired first responders are finding that this combo of biohacking modalities is offering relief from their chronic pain & improving their mobility. Cold for Chronic Pain offers more insight into these analgesic properties of cryotherapy for cold management.
In another instance of improved recovery, Fire Captain Sean Smiley informed us that after he was injured in a training accident, he was diagnosed with hypogonadism & nearly non-detectable testosterone levels. After experiencing side effects from testosterone replacement therapy, he turned to Jiu Jitsu to get active. When trying to improve soreness in his arm, Sean accidentally discovered that getting out of his cold pool in the winter & following it with Jiu Jitsu afterwards actually shot his testosterone levels way up. He continues to precool his workouts, & his testosterone levels remain in the 700s.
Do Ice Baths Increase Testosterone? offers further details of this case study.
What is the Positive Impact Alliance?
Founded in 2022, the Positive Impact Alliance aims to improve the overall health & well-being of first responders, including firefighters, EMS & law enforcement personnel & 911 operators. Those who work in these professions are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma & intense physical demands daily. This can often put a strain on the mental, physical & emotional health of first responders & their families. Understanding this, the Positive Impact Alliance was formed to provide these local heroes with resources, programs & services to support them. These services include counseling, resiliency treatments, fitness & mental & emotional health support.
Recharge Room Solution
In 2023, the Positive Impact Alliance expanded their efforts into developing the mobile Recharge Room for individuals in high stress environments & occupations. The Recharge Room offers various proactive therapies such as cold plunges, infrared sauna, red light therapy & vagus nerve stimulation.
These therapies allow first responders to recover from the intense demands of their work environments, each offering their own benefits for physical, mental & emotional restoration.
For more information, browse the benefits & preventative therapies of the Recharge Room.
To request a demo of a Recharge Room session, click here.
About the Positive Impact Alliance
Rich Ganley is the founder of the Recharge Room & executive of the Positive Impact Alliance foundation. Named Business Man of the Year 2023 by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, he has an extensive 30 years of experience in healthcare, wellness, anti-aging, longevity, digital media & many other pursuits. His passion & commitment to serve others shows through his mentorship & leadership to his associates, & he is dedicated to giving back & honoring public service professionals.
References
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Horn GP, Gutzmer S, Fahs CA, Petruzzello SJ, Goldstein E, Fahey GC, Fernhall B, Smith DL. Physiological recovery from firefighting activities in rehabilitation and beyond. Prehospital Emergency Care. 2011 Mar 9;15(2):214-25.