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.
Three of the FDNY’s leading responders on Sept. 11, 2001, reflect on how 9/11 impacted EMS and beyond
On the anniversary of the deadly terrorist attacks, the number of EMT and paramedic deaths should come to mind as quickly as “343 firefighters”
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
The agreement, previously nullified by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, would spare Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-defendants the risk of the death penalty
The monument in Keansburg is reportedly the first Sept. 11 memorial in the U.S. dedicated solely to EMS responders
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has set a goal to expand the number of states participating to 50 by 2025
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are both expected to attend 9/11 observances in New York and Pennsylvania
Multiple mayoral administrations, including Eric Adams’, have withheld the documents, fearing their release could trigger a wave of lawsuits from first responders
The FDNY Fire Officers Association warns the WTC Health Program may stop accepting members by 2028
Hundreds gather at Clipper Magazine Stadium in Lancaster to climb 2,200 steps
Ceremonies remembering the fallen are led by the children and young adults born after the terror attacks
For the nearly 3,000 victims, we owe it to their memory to ensure their stories are not forgotten
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
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
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
