On September 11, 2001, terrorists used hijacked airplanes as weapons to attack the United States. Two planes hit the World Trade Center towers in New York City. One plane flew into the side of the Pentagon. A fourth plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field after passengers stormed the cockpit. Nearly 3,000 people died in the attack.
In the aftermath, thousands of first responders converged on the sites of destruction, climbing through mountains of smoking debris and rubble in a race to find survivors. Ultimately, 8 EMS providers and 343 firefighters died that day and countless more have succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses from their time working at Ground Zero.
Read the stories of survivors, as well as how lessons learned are impacting the way first responders of today train and respond to incidents. To share your 9/11 story, email editor@ems1.com.
For the nearly 3,000 victims, we owe it to their memory to ensure their stories are not forgotten
On the anniversary of the deadly terrorist attacks, the number of EMT and paramedic deaths should come to mind as quickly as “343 firefighters”
Honor the sacrifices and the legacy left by 9/11 responders by marking the anniversary with community service, education and self-care
The museum is honoring the anniversary of Sept. 11 with a new exhibit, “Recovery and Reflection, Celebrating the 9/11 Tribute”
The addition of 43 fire and EMS members who died of illnesses related to Sept. 11 attacks nears the number killed in the collapses
9/11 survivor and volunteer firefighter Rob Weisberg is supporting first responders and veterans and their service animals
The Beirut incident commander, Dr. Shawky Amine Eddine shares insights from the largest non-nuclear explosion in history
Why technology is the key to avoiding the next 9/11 and MCI preparedness
Prosecutors say Khalid Sheikh Mohammed may not face the death penalty
Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said the World Trade Center Health Program “is facing massive cuts in just a few years.”
The measure also includes members of the military who responded to 9/11 in Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon, unlike the original legislation
The CDC changed the contractors who run the National Provider Network for some 25,000 and the prescription drug benefits for the whole program
At least 50 women who worked as first responders at Ground Zero and those who were nearby may receive coverage from the World Trade Center Health Program
“Together we helped fulfill our promise to never forget, and we are looking forward to keeping this going for many years to come,” said Capt. Brian Minardo
“This further shattered already broken families,” FDNY widow Janlyn Scauso said about being barred from the fund
306 active and retired FDNY members — including firefighters and EMS members — have died of 9/11-related illnesses
The former North Bergen and Jersey City Medical Center EMT was removed as a guest speaker from a Tenn. fundraiser following social media furor over his claims
We should be out of excuses by now
A FF/paramedic captain recounts hunkering down with victims at the Pentagon on 9/11 while expecting another attack
Even as time and distance separate us from 9/11 and memories begin to fade, the NFFF remains committed to Never Forget fallen firefighters and their families
Cebollero, Dudley and Ludwig discuss honoring the legacy of 9/11
Dr. Sabina Ostolski served for four years; Steven Thorsen served for 27 years
The “Unmasking Our Heroes” exhibit and video share the stress and community support FDNY EMS personnel experienced in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic
Samples from Nashville FFs helped researchers compare risks
Lt. John P. Raftery served in the department for 27 years
Alvin Suriel “saved an untold number of lives in his time as an EMT and paramedic, and through his inspirational leadership,” said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro
It’s critical for our relationships and emotional health to gather with friends, family and colleagues to share successes, challenges and losses
The Protecting America’s First Responders Act addresses general eligibility, 9/11 disability provisions, COVID-19 presumption and other benefits
Retired Capt. Mike Earley was given a year to live in May; five months later, the New York City Employees’ Retirement System has not approved his application
FirstNet, warning systems focus of House subcommittee update
Port Authority Officer Will Jimeno, who was trapped in the World Trade Center rubble, shares what he has learned from his recovery post-9/11
Joe Biden, plus former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, took part in today’s ceremony at Sept. 11 memorial plaza in New York
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