Emergency Teams Meet Challenge of Terrorist Attack on New York

Following the destruction of the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York (NY, USA) by terrorists on September 11, emergency medical teams quickly set up makeshift triage centers and trauma units nearby to evaluate and offer emergency treatment to people with injuries. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) sent more than 400 medical and emergency personnel to New York to assist local responders.

A number of victims had been severely burned, and some suffered from serious internal injuries. Many had glass cuts and suffered from smoke inhalation. Those who needed further treatment were sent to hospitals in the area, where hundreds of doctors and nurses had volunteered their services. Out-of-town doctors attending a midtown medical conference left the conference and went to the area to offer their help. Blood donors answered the call for blood during the day, more than meeting the expressed need.

Meanwhile, hospitals in other parts of the city and in New Jersey remained on standby. By late afternoon, after the initial wave of victims had been treated, it became painfully clear that medical preparedness was far surpassing the need, mainly because the rest of the victims were buried in the rubble. In spite of continuing efforts to find survivors there, few were found. Four days later, more than 4,000 people were still reported as missing.

The response to the disaster involved a number of U.S. agencies. A National Medical Response Team (NMRT) was dispatched to New York by HHS to help detect any possible industrial chemical-related problems that might result from the collapse of buildings. NMRTs are part of the U.S. National Disaster Medical System, trained to deal especially with chemical release situations in which mass casualties are involved. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued precautionary instructions to New York health departments to be on special alert for possible clusters of unusual disease symptoms. CDC personnel were sent to New York, with special duties to watch for and help prevent possible secondary diseases, including infectious disease and effects of dust and other debris. They are to assist city rescue workers who have been injured or exposed to health-threatening materials during their operations. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also lent a hand by helping arrange deliveries of skin products for burn victims in the city.

HHS has provided funds to provide shelter, food, and clothing to those in need and to support community health centers in New York City for increases in the demand for mental health services. Specialists believe the need for mental health services will be very large because so many people are suffering from psychological trauma.

"We want New Yorkers to know that we will do everything we can to help in the healing process,” said Tommy G. Thompson, secretary of HSS. "As we learn more about what tools are needed to treat victims and assist rescue officials, local officials should know that more resources from the federal government are always just a phone call away.”




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Dept. of HHS