Are EMS Workers the Forgotten 9/11 Responders?

The legendary heroism of FDNY firefighters, Port Authority police and NYPD officers has cast a long shadow over the events of September 11^th, 2001. At times, it seems as though emergency medical service workers have gotten lost in that shadow. Nevertheless, eight EMS workers were lost that day and many more continue to suffer physically and psychologically.

Newsmax reported in April of 2015 that a new study of EMS workers who participated in rescue operations on 9/11 shows that they suffer from many of the same chronic health problems as firefighters and police officers who responded. According to the report, published in the journal, Occupational & Environmental Medicine, EMS workers who were at Ground Zero are seven times more likely to suffer PTSD than their colleagues who didn’t work that day and are twice as likely to suffer from depression.

Common complaints of affected EMS workers include acid reflux disease (GERD), obstructive airway disease, such as bronchitis and emphysema, sinus infections and high rates of cancer.

Dr. Jacqueline Moline, chairwoman of population health at North Shore LIJ Health System in Manhasset, N.Y., applauded the “first study that focuses on the EMS workers,” noting that “EMS needs not to be forgotten.”

As attorneys who fight for the rights of 9/11 first responders, we hope this study prompts many eligible EMS workers to seek the benefits and compensation to which they are entitled. We appreciate the heroism of all our 9/11 responders and don’t want to see any left behind.

If you have questions about your eligibility for 9/11 benefits, call Barasch & McGarry today at [ln::phone] or contact our office online to schedule a free consultation.