The Downwind Walk

A USAR Paramedic’s Experiences after the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001

by Steve Kanarian, EMT-P, MPH


Formats

E-Book
$9.99
Softcover
$25.00
$20.00
Hardcover
$30.00
$25.00
E-Book
$9.99

Book Details

Language : English
Publication Date : 10/7/2011

Format : E-Book
Dimensions : N/A
Page Count : 252
ISBN : 9781456798871
Format : Softcover
Dimensions : 6x9
Page Count : 252
ISBN : 9781456798895
Format : Hardcover
Dimensions : 6x9
Page Count : 252
ISBN : 9781456798888

About the Book

About the Book

The Downwind Walk lets you experience the tragic events following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York on September 11, 2001 through the eyes of an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) paramedic who went into harm’s way to rescue the victims, which rapidly included many of his “brothers” and “sisters” of the New York Fire Department (NYFD) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

The author was a member of the EMS FDNY in the Bronx who was deployed with the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) USAR team at Ground Zero. He went downwind with the USAR team after they set up operations and donned the proper protective clothing and breathing protection. Their mission was to take a first hand look at that mass casualty incident (MCI), assess the damage and losses, and make an estimation of resources needed to mitigate the incident. The reader is invited to take the downwind walk with Steve as he recounts the events, sights, smells and vivid memories of that unforgettable September ….. from eye level at Ground Zero, in his dusty boots.

In this book, you will read stories about EMTs and paramedics who were at Ground Zero with the author, including some who were wounded or traumatized and others who made the “ultimate sacrifice.” You will also learn about NYFD EMS personnel who made a significant contribution to patient care and public service by responding to numerous 9-1-1 calls or assisting fallen coworkers that week despite extremely stressful working conditions.

No doubt you have heard the popular stories that tell of heroism on airline flights, in the Twin Towers and at the Pentagon. It is also important for future generations of Americans to know about the sacrifice and dedication of NYFD EMS first responders. Now is the time to share their stories as the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 looms on the horizon as ominously as the smoke and dust filled the atmosphere after the collapse of the Twin Towers.

Steve wants future EMTs and paramedics to know about the individual acts of caring and dedication of the EMS first responders at Ground Zero. He also would like to share with them stories of how EMS dealt with this horrendous incident and lessons learned from the catastrophic consequences of that MCI so they may learn from their experience. 


About the Author

About the Author Steven Kanarian is an accomplished EMS professional with over 25 years experience. He was trained as a paramedic (EMT-P) at Northeastern University. Steve earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Organizational Management at Nyack College and a Masters degree in Public Health (MPH) at New York Medical College. Steve has been a paramedic since 1984. Steve was a Medical Specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency Urban Search and Rescue (FEMA USAR) New York Task Force – 1 from 1991 to 2009. He has been an EMS Educator since 1994. He has taught EMS courses. Steve currently teaches paramedics at the City University of New York and LaGuardia Community College. In 2009, Steve retired from the New York City Fire Department, EMS Command as a Lieutenant after 25 years of service. He is a freelance writer and lecturer who has published articles and given professional presentations on pre-hospital care, EMS education, supervision and MCI management topics. He has published articles on EMS and management including: “Assessing the learning objectives of EMT's and paramedics responding to terrorist incidents” and “The psychological aftermath of terrorism.” Steve served as Chair of the Research Committee for the National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE) from 2006 to 2009. Steve’s areas of specialty are paramedic education, MCI management and EMS supervision/leadership. He is available for lectures, consulting, and special projects on these topics.