First Responders Took On 9/11 Rescue and Recovery Efforts

On September 11, 2001, the world watched in horror as two hijacked airplanes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City (NYC), destroying them and killing thousands of innocent people. In the aftermath of the tragedy, first responders from across the country came to the city to help in the rescue and recovery efforts. Firefighters, police officers, paramedics, EMTs, and other emergency services personnel worked tirelessly to search for survivors, treat the injured, and evacuate people from the scene.

Police officers and firefighters had to search for survivors in the midst of chaos, while EMTs and paramedics worked to provide medical attention to those who had been injured, including other first responders.

The first responders’ efforts were relentless and heroic. They worked around the clock to save lives and help those affected by the tragedy, especially in the initial days and weeks right after the attacks. All sacrificed their own safety and well-being to help others, and their courage and selflessness will never be forgotten. The rescue and recovery efforts of the EMTs are a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together in times of crisis.

Health Conditions Common for a New York City EMT Due to Recovery Efforts

The most common physical health conditions among the NYC EMTs who responded in the rescue and recovery efforts of 9/11 include 9/11-related cancer such as skin cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, or severe respiratory problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic rhinosinusitis, bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic respiratory disorder. These conditions are caused by the inhalation of the dust, smoke, and other particles that were released into the air from the attacks and also during the months-long recovery effort. 

More than 70 cancers have been linked to exposure to the WTC dust, and NYC EMT personnel who were involved in 9/11 efforts are at a much-increased risk of developing cancer.  Many of the EMTs have also reported suffering from skin conditions, such as dermatitis, due to their prolonged exposure to hazardous materials.

Mental health issues, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are also common medical conditions among EMTs who worked during the 9/11 recovery efforts. These conditions can be caused by the traumatic events that EMTs were exposed to during their part of the recovery efforts. In addition, many of the EMTs who were involved in the recovery process have reported other mental health issues such as difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and flashbacks.

Support Available for EMTs

For family members of those EMTs and other first responders, finding support can be difficult. Fortunately, there are organizations that have been created to help survivors, families, and EMTs who were affected by the attack. The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) were created by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act to provide medical and financial assistance to those affected.

Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)

The VCF is a federal fund that was created to provide financial compensation to families of those killed in the 9/11 attacks and to those who were injured or suffered health issues as a result of their presence in the area during or in the months following the attacks. The program provides compensation for economic and non-economic losses including out-of-pocket medical treatment, lost wages and benefits, funeral expenses, and more.

World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP)

The WTCHP is a federal program established to provide medical monitoring and treatment for those who were exposed to the toxic dust and debris from the attack. The program is available to responders and survivors of the 9/11 attacks who have developed 9/11-related illnesses and provides coverage for physical and mental health conditions related to the attack.

What Our 9/11 Attorneys Can Do For You

If you are an EMT who was affected by the 9/11 terrorist attack, or a family member of an EMT, you may be entitled to financial compensation. At Hansen & Rosasco, our 9/11 attorneys are here to help those affected by the 9/11 attack. We can help you determine your eligibility for a VCF claim, walk you through the steps of preparing your case, assist with filing a claim for the VCF, and help you register with the WTCHP to get the treatment and monitoring you need. We understand that the process can be daunting, and we are here to ensure that you receive the support you need throughout the process to get the compensation you deserve.