Machine helps firefighters reduce stress

A new piece of technology is helping firefighters in Brooklyn improve how well they respond to an emergency. The machine, called the biofeedback ORRB Pod, helps reduce stress and allows firefighters

News 12 Staff

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Oct 23, 2014, 12:54 AM

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Updated 3,840 days ago

A new piece of technology is helping firefighters in Brooklyn improve how well they respond to an emergency.

The machine, called the biofeedback ORRB Pod, helps reduce stress and allows firefighters to more efficiently work while battling a blaze.

A firefighter would use the machine by putting on a mask, which is hooked up to sensors that monitor breathing. He or she would then watch videos that recreate real-life fire situations.

Rita Desyatnik is the biofeedback coach at Friends of Firefighters in Red Hook, which owns and operates the pod. The nonprofit group also offers counseling and other services.

Desyatnik says that during the sessions, she looks for the '"fight or flight" response and examines the central nervous system.

Firefighters who sign up for the free training learn breathing and mental exercises to help stay calm.

Firefighters say the skills make a difference when saving a life.