“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.”
Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl
So here I am with an Emergency Medical Responder class on this particular day, September 11, 2018.
It has been 17 years since the fateful day that the world changed. 2 aircraft graphically struck and collapsed the twin towers, another struck the Pentagon and the passengers on a 4th aircraft did the ultimate sacrifice and brought the aircraft down before it could cause major damage. In the aftermath borders were tightened, trust seemed to vanish and terrorism became a household word.
How to convey to the next generation of practitioners entering into the world of Emergency Medical Services the meaning of that day to all emergency services. I remember the skies were empty of all but military and essential aircraft, even that night when I was called for a medevac and the pilots telling us that if we stray from our direct flight path we would be seen as a threat!!
In these 17 years good emergency plans and the right people in the right place has never been more important. In-spite of the changes in the world even on that day there were hero’s, both on ground zero, across the country and around the world. Cities like Gander NFLD made room in their homes to take care of stranded travelers until the skies were opened and they could return home.
The new generation is training, learning the skills to treat those who have been affected by trauma or medical conditions. Their world includes the now common word terrorism…let us hope that in their lifetime we can find peace.
That is a good remembrance, Jim, I enjoyed reading it