Ground Zero recollections of US Public Health Service nurses deployed to New York City in September 2001.
The events of September 11, 2001, set in motion the broadest emergency response ever conducted by the US Department of Health and Human Services. In this article, some of the nurses who deployed to New York City in the aftermath of that horrific attack on the United States offer their recollections of the events. Although Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHS CC) officers participated in deployments before 9/11, this particular deployment accelerated the transformation of the PHS CC, because people came to realize the tremendous potential of a uniformed service of 6,000 health care professionals. When not responding to emergencies, PHS CC nurses daily serve the mission of the PHS to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of the nation. In times of crisis, the PHS CC nurses stand ready to deploy in support of those in need of medical assistance.
Knebel
Ann R
AR
US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Office of Public Health and Science, US Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20201, USA. ann.knebel@hhs.gov
Martinelli
Angela M
AM
Orsega
Susan
S
Doss
Thomas L
TL
Balingit-Wines
Ana Marie
AM
Konchan
Carol L
CL
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004189:Disaster Planning; D005392:First Aid / Q000451:nursing; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D009519:New York City; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology*; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D011637:Public Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012066:Relief Work / Q000458:organization & administration; D018635:Rescue Work; D047851:September 11 Terrorist Attacks / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States; D014492:United States Public Health Service / Q000458:organization & administration*