One could read this article and come to the quick conclusion that, why yes, EMS providers who worked alongside firefighters and law enforcement in the hours and days after 9/11 experienced the same poor health outcomes. One could then conclude that a study like this would be relatively unremarkable. But it’s not, for a variety of reasons.
1. A study of EMS workers
It is in fact a study about EMS workers. Very few have been done to date. This study’s conclusions support the notion that EMS providers are exposed to similar hazards other public safety personnel face. It might seem obvious to those of us in the business, but it’s still earthshaking for others who believe EMS is a stepchild service.
2. Comparison of study group and control group
The study has tighter controls over those who were at the site - the study group - and compared them to EMS providers who were not present - the control group. Since the two groups were more similar to each other, any differences could be more correlated to 9/11. (Note that I didn’t say “attributed” - but common sense might help fill in the gap.)
3. We need to know more
The study points out how little we know about the long-term effects of such a catastrophic incident that was the World Trade Center attack. It’s urgent that this group, as well as the other groups of affected emergency workers continue to be studied for the next several decades. Of course, what we do with the information is even more critical. RaHow can we minimize, or outright avoid, such major consequences of the job?
4. EMS providers deserve better PPE
The diseases these EMS workers face can be directly linked to insufficient, and ineffective protective personal equipment that existed then. Many rescuers stopped using air purifying masks, since they became so clogged with airborne debris so quickly, as to be rendered useless. I’m not sure whether any work has been done to improve these and other devices that were designed for one level of protection, but not the conditions as severe as 9/11. WE deserve better designed protective equipment.
5. Make the funding for long-term care permanent
Last, there is federal legislation to make permanent the relief bill that has helped many public safety providers recover the best they can from the effects of 9/11 and provide relief to the survivors of those who have succumbed to their related diseases. Despite the cost of the program, it needs to be made permanent. As this study shows, the long term health effects of 9/11 and the cost of providing medical care, support and relief are still largely unknown. To eliminate the funding would be to sever a lifeline many will need for the remainder of their lives. Let’s hope that compassion, not politics, prevail.
