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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Lorraine C. Brooks, CEAP, Employee Assistance Program, State University of NY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Box 1218, Brooklyn, NY 11203, 718-270-1489, Lorraine.Brooks@Downstate.edu and Kathleen Powderly, PhD, Division of Humanities in Medicine, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Box 116, Brooklyn, NY 11203.

This paper will examine, through the process of Oral History, the experience and reflections of men and women who were early (emergency) responders to Ground Zero, and who worked there during the rescue and recovery missions. It will focus on how the experience of working at Ground Zero has affected their physical and mental health, their perceptions of their professional roles and responsibilities, and the nature of their work. These stories will be examined for themes related to workplace-related issues such as health and safety, and supportive needs of traditional and non-traditional early emergency responders.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

1)Recognize at least 3 major health effects on early emergency responders working at Ground Zero;
• Identify several factors that contributed to health and safety risks associated with working at Ground Zero;
• Discuss possible ways to reduce health and safety risks to emergency responders in the future

Keywords: Occupational Exposure, Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered