After September 11, 2001, as the shock ebbed, the desire to “do something” set in for me, as it did so for many Americans. Whether it's to a neighbor or a stranger, most people offer assistance to those in need. While some claim this happens only in small towns, I disagree. Less than a month after the Attack on America, I was fortunate to see this unselfishness transcend the nation and manifest even around the globe. Like so many Americans after 9-11, I too had that desire to “do something” and was given that opportunity.
Along with four of my teammates from the Susquehanna Valley Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM), I travelled to Ground Hero at the request of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department (PAPD). A smaller force than the NYPD and the FDNY, the PAPD still lost 37 police officers—the greatest lost of public servants in a single day for any police department. My team's duty was to provide peer support to PAPD officers who continued to work in rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Hero. Ground Hero was the name that the CISM teams bestowed on the remains of the World Trade Center, as there were NO zeros who died there – only heroes. Walking the 16-acre site of what was once the World Trade Center, we met and talked not only with police officers and firefighters but also with welders, painters, construction workers, employees who survived the collapse, and other volunteers. They shared story after story, reflecting how the attack and its aftermath affected each of them. Everyone felt it.
As people shared whatever they could to others who worked tirelessly at Ground Hero, I witnessed caring and compassion that overshadowed the horrific attack. As I reflect on my involvement in the aftermath of September 11th, I am reminded of the good in so many people. Whether it was the lady who encouraged recovery workers daily with her handwritten messages at the entrance to a NYC landfill, the Japanese firefighters who travelled halfway around the world to honor their fallen brothers at firefighters' funerals, a 9-year-old Canadian boy who created Canadian/American flag ribbons for those working at Ground Hero, kindergarteners who drew thank you cards that covered dinner tables at the rehabilitation center, or the countless others who gave something of themselves to help because they cared, people shared and supported one another.
As the tenth anniversary of 9-11 approached, I contemplated how I could commemorate this day that would forever remain in our memories. As my community in North Central Pennsylvania faced devastation from flooding, I discovered the answer. I returned to my roots as an emergency service provider, joining firefighters and public safety workers volunteering and working to assist neighbors who faced this natural disaster. We did not meet this challenge alone. Just as after 9-11, so many others gave of themselves. At our emergency operation center, people dropped off pans of lasagna and jars of soup along with their thanks for our help. Yes, devastation had occurred, but what better way to remember the fallen heroes than to help others in need.
September 11th has become a “Day of Service,” and in that spirit I challenge all physician assistants to remember the example of 9-11 and the PA Code of Ethics:
Physician Assistants, ever cognizant of the needs of the community, shall use the knowledge and experience acquired as professionals to contribute to an improved community.
Helping others and being there for neighbors and strangers binds us all. What may seem like a small gesture to you may make you a hero in the eyes of another. Please join me in remembering Ground Hero instead of ground zero.
Susan Swank-Caschera is an assistant professor in the PA program at Pennsylvania College of Technology and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. This blog post expresses her personal views and does not express or represent the views or policies of AAPA.