Citation

Smith EC, Burkle FM. Prehosp. Disaster Med. 2019; 34(1): 56-61.

Affiliation

3Harvard Humanitarian Initiative,Harvard University and Harvard T.C. Chan School of Public Health,Cambridge,MassachusettsUSA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1017/S1049023X18001255

PMID

30761979

Abstract

IntroductionIn the years following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City (New York USA), otherwise known as 9/11, first responders began experiencing a range of health and psychosocial impacts. Publications documenting these largely focus on firefighters. This research explores paramedic and emergency medical technician (EMT) reflections on the long-term impact of responding to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

METHODS: Qualitative methods were used to conduct interviews with 54 paramedics and EMTs on the 15-year anniversary of 9/11.

RESULTS: Research participants reported a range of long-term psychosocial issues including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, insomnia, relationship breakdowns and impact on family support systems, and addictive and risk-taking behaviors. Ongoing physical health issues included respiratory disorders, eye problems, and cancers.

DISCUSSIONThese findings will go some way to filling the current gap in the 9/11 evidence-base regarding the understanding of the long-term impact on paramedics and EMTs. The testimony of this qualitative research is to ensure that an important voice is not lost, and that the deeply personal and richly descriptive experiences of the 9/11 paramedics and EMTs are not forgotten. SmithEC, BurkleFMJr. Paramedic and emergency medical technician reflections on the ongoing impact of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2019;34(1):56-61.

Language: en

Keywords

ALS Advanced Life Support; BLS Basic Life Support; CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; EMS Emergency Medical Services; EMT emergency medical technician; FDNY Fire Department of New York; PTSD posttraumatic stress disorder; WTC World Trade Center; 9/11; EMT; September 11 terrorist attack; emergency medical technician; paramedic