EMS Still Feels 9/11

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to the Sept. 8 ("Mayor Callous Re 9/11'' - Marianne Pizzitola) and Sept. 15 ("Wrong Way for '2507''' - Donald Faeth) Letters to the Editor.

Firstly, the reality is that NYC Emergency Medical Service Workers are chronically, acutely and terminally ill due to their exposure to the toxins (250,000 identified contaminants) inhaled at "Ground Zero." The carcinogens (benzene, asbestos, mercury, lead, cadmium, PAHs, PCBs, etc.) are highly toxic. No one knows what chemical is created when these burn or individuals are exposed to them for extended periods of time; nor how it will affect the human body systems!

How are these toxins affecting the NYC EMS Workers? Suppressed immune systems, leukemia, cancer - (lung, throat, etc.), impaired nervous systems, kidney disease, respiratory diseases, liver damage, rashes, cognitive impairment, heart diseases, etc. - these are the direct effects of toxic exposure at Ground Zero.

As Mr. Faeth stated; "... the local had an obligation to the entire membership as a body and could not sacrifice the needs of 2,400 members for the needs of fewer than 24 members." My question: Why do we pay union dues and feel we have a sense of security knowing that our union will be looking out for our well-being as dedicated employees? What happened to the statement echoed by many of the hierarchical representatives: "We Will Never Forget"! Let us remember Timothy Keller, Felix Hernandez, Debbie Reeves, etc.; all members of service who died without benefits. These individuals died in the line of duty, serving their city and country in the worst tragedy on United States soil. Their rights were disregarded and their families suffer on many levels because of the disrespect and lack of accountability from the hierarchical structures. Do you feel these member-of-service families should be satisfied that the union is justified under the statement made by Mr. Faeth?

Secondly, no one wants to address what the aftermath of 9/11 has created within the family structure or what it has done to families financially. The alcohol and drug consumption by members of service has increased considerably, which puts a strain on the family structure, and it is not a healthy way to deal with the trauma those individuals experienced. Many individuals who reached out for assistance from the Red Cross received 30 visits - (one-shot deal) and now are paying out of pocket for professional assistance.

Some individuals chose not to be identified or seek assistance for a variety of reasons; loss of respect, fear of being labeled, concern about their future - i.e. pensions, or how would this affect their family? There have been members of service who have contemplated suicide or committed suicide; it is a sad commentary that these individuals did not receive a proper intervention. What about the children of the members of service? Children are precious and our hope for the future; how can they look forward if their family is falling apart? Some children are suicidal, cutting themselves not to feel the pain, drinking or using drugs to manage their emotional and mental state. If what I am expressing seems far-fetched, call the WTC family clinics, WTC agencies or health-care providers; it will paint a grimmer picture than I am discussing at this moment.

Thirdly, the most frightening aspect of the aftermath of 9/11 is the financial consequences. What has it cost those who are ill? Individuals are paying for their medication, doctor bills, health care, hospitalizations, etc.; whatever nest egg was saved for the future is extinguished! The Workers' Compensation system is antiquated and contributes to an individual being re-victimized due to the fact that proper intervention or proper representation for individuals was not implemented. I feel the statistics quoted by Mr. Faeth are not totally accurate because many individuals are suffering and have been left to fall through the cracks.

Finally, while the Mount Sinai Monitoring Program - Health for Heroes - is a wonderful concept, questions that arise due to the "plight of the survivors" include: What happened to the CISD protocol and follow-up psychological services?

What happened to proper medical treatment once it was established the toxic exposure was causing health issues? (What happened to the Haz-Mat protocol?)

What about a proper networking system to help individuals negotiate the paperwork and requests from agencies they were referred to?

What about proper representation for an individual at a board review or Workers' Compensation hearing?

What resources are available at this time for those who are becoming ill or will become ill in the future?

The devastation of 9-11-01 will continue until there is a concrete plan to assist those who served and those who continue to serve are protected with proper representation of their rights.

BONNIE JEAN GIEBFRIED, NYC EMS 9/11 Survivor