Shanksville, PA First Responders Took Action on 9/11
First responders in Shanksville, PA, showed extraordinary courage on September 11, 2001. When United Flight 93 crashed into a field, local emergency personnel, firefighters, law enforcement, and volunteers rushed to the scene to assist with rescue and recovery efforts. Their brave and swift actions were crucial in managing the situation and preventing further loss of life, and the efforts of the cleanup crew were vital in ensuring the site was properly handled and secured.
Many Shanksville, PA first responders are unaware that they may qualify for benefits or compensation, but eligibility covers a wide range of responders. A Shanksville responder is defined as someone who was a member of a fire or police department (whether fire or emergency personnel, active or retired), worked for a recovery or cleanup contractor, or was a volunteer; and performed rescue, recovery, demolition, debris cleanup, or other related services at the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site of the terrorist-related aircraft crash of September 11, 2001, during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on October 3, 2001.
Health Conditions Common for Shanksville Responders Due to Recovery Efforts
The debris cleanup and recovery efforts at the Shanksville crash site exposed first responders and cleanup crews to various hazardous materials that were released in the crash. As a result, many responders have experienced long-term health issues similar to those faced by responders at the Pentagon and World Trade Center (WTC). Common health conditions include aerodigestive (airway and digestive) issues such as asthma, GERD, sleep apnea, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as several types of cancer and mental health disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Support Available for Shanksville Responders
Programs and funds have been established through the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (Zadroga Act) to provide medical monitoring, treatment, and compensation for 9/11 responders, including those at Shanksville. Eligibility varies by program, and registration and claim filing deadlines apply to each program.
Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) offers financial compensation to individuals (or their families) who were injured or killed as a result of the attacks. This includes first responders at the Shanksville crash site who have developed 9/11-related health conditions as a result of their exposure. The VCF compensates for economic, including medical expenses, lost wages, and lost benefits, as well as non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. Shanksville responders who were present in the area between September 11, 2001, and October 3, 2001, are encouraged to file a claim. Registration with the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) is required to certify a 9/11-related health condition.
World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP)
The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) provides medical monitoring and treatment for responders and survivors of the 9/11 attacks, including those at the Shanksville site. Managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this program certifies 9/11-related conditions and offers comprehensive health services for conditions related to 9/11 exposure. Enrollment in the WTCHP ensures that Shanksville responders receive the necessary healthcare to prevent, diagnose, and treat 9/11-related conditions.
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