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.
A new installation at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum explores the lasting impacts of the dust that blanketed New York in the wake of the terrorist attack
For the nearly 3,000 victims, we owe it to their memory to ensure their stories are not forgotten
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue works to ensure that the next generation of firefighters, EMTs and paramedics understand the legacy of 9/11’s fallen firefighters
From coast to coast, these September 11 memorials stand as solemn reminders of the courage, sacrifice and enduring spirit that emerged in the wake of tragedy
The FDNY added the names of 32 firefighters and EMS personnel to the World Trade Center Memorial Wall
This special episode of Inside EMS explores the shift from reactive to preventative strategies in emergency services and the crucial role of technology and health initiatives
Seeing the brave first responders on Sept. 11, 2001, showed me what I wanted to be when I grew up
Show your gratitude to those who serve on the front lines of your community
Books about the catastrophic 9/11 attacks and the long return to normalcy are crucial to the historical record of those we lost and how we moved forward
Chief Freddie LaFemina recalls the unimaginable scene at Ground Zero and the relentless work to find his brother firefighters
Retired FDNY Firefighter Lee Ielpi’s mission to collect and share WTC steel focuses on remembrance and education
Guidance for managing the emotions associated with the anniversaries of traumatic incidents
Honor the sacrifices and the legacy left by 9/11 responders by marking the anniversary with community service, education and self-care
From identifying your “why” to studying climb logistics, there are several factors to consider as you prepare to complete the climb in honor of fallen firefighters
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mobile exhibit honors the fallen at the Allen County Fair
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently revoked the plea deal for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed that would have spared his life
EMT Hilda Vannata worked at Ground Zero and died in 2023 from 9/11-related pancreatic cancer
Lawyers for 9/11 survivors were denied requests to learn what former Mayor Rudy Giuliani knew about Ground Zero toxins
Joseph Zadroga, father of NYPD Detective James Zadroga who died of a respiratory ailment related to work at Ground Zero, was struck by an SUV
The story of Billy Moon, a heroic fallen FDNY firefighter, and the people whose lives he has saved
22 years after the terror attacks, the number of the dead related to their exposure while working in the rescue and recovery efforts equals the number killed in the collapses
The CDC partnership with the WTC Health Program raises awareness of the physical and mental effects of the attacks and the treatment
Deaths from cancer related to the terror attacks continue to climb as do registrations with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
Victims’ lawyers put on notice to have all paperwork submitted in order to speed up the application process
Communities across the country pay tribute with moments of silence, tolling bells, candlelight vigils and other activities
Officials have now been able to link remains to 1,649 World Trade Center victims
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
