9/11 Stories: Former EMS Chief Jim Martin

Then New York City EMS Chief Officer Jim Martin no doubt saved countless lives and may have prevented future 9/11 illnesses for thousands on September 11th when he had the presence of mind to ask New York City firefighters (the NYC EMS is run by the FDNY, the Fire Department Of NYC) to set up a misting spray so that the thousands fleeing Lower Manhattan, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, covered in dust from the pulverized World Trade, could be decontaminated. It would be years later before the toxic dust would be scientifically linked to at least 68 cancers.
None of that was known on 9/11. Jim was just using a technique he had learned years before at a 5 Boro NYC bike tour. It was 90-plus degrees that day. To prevent bicyclists from suffering heat exhaustion or worse, Martin and his FDNY team used a misting spray to cool down the weakened athletes at the end of the bike tour on Staten Island. Martin will never know how many lives he saved on 9/11 but he credits the FDNY with its impeccable training.
Skin cancer is the most common 9/11 cancer, followed by prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. Anyone who was in the exposure zone over 8 months and is certified with a 9/11 illness is entitled to free lifetime health care in every state, AND, likely, compensation from the Victim Compensation Fund.
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[@sillygooser69]

Thank you for sharing, Jim! ❤

[@jimmyboy131]

It's people like Chief Martin who help everyone get through these terrible times. Thanks for your dedicated service!

[@ILL_MEL]

I was in Yonkers on 9/11 and I stood up all night watching the smoke over the city and the now empty spot where the towers stood just several hours prior knowing things will never be the same. 20 years later and I still think of that day. I was a HS student

[@kirstyhesketh7674]

❤

[@marymorris6897]

I admire Chief Martin and other professionals who can make sound decisions in tough times. My family lives in Iowa and even from here that was a traumatic time. Thanks to all who helped.

[@bobporch]

Most people familiar with 9/11 have heard the numbers of Uniformed Responders lost: FDNY 343, PAPD 37, and NYPD 23. Few people have heard of the number 29 White. As Jim mentioned, hospitals and private ambulance companies also sent crews to the towers. They too were heroic in their actions. Because they were not Uniformed Responders, rarely are they acknowledged for their service and sacrifice. We should keep all the heroes in our hearts and NEVER FORGET.

[@deniserossiter1059]

Great comment. You are so right. It’s a number that is rarely mentioned when people talk about the deaths of first responders!!

[@katelynbrown98]

YES. I looked up a list of lost responders and one was an 18 yo private EMS/EMT worker.

[@belindapaul9828]

Thank you for your comment. Every one of these people are heroes.

[@sweetassugar2076]

@@belindapaul9828 what is the reason for thanking this comment?

[@aimee1860]

True!! God bless them for thier service!

[@punkyspray]

God bless these awesome first responders, the victims and their families. I think of them and pray for them so often, they will never know how much they mean, even to someone way down here in Georgia. My heart is with them, always.

[@belindapaul9828]

Thank you for sharing your story, Jim. I cant even imagine what it'd be like to be take on operational responsibility in that sort of crisis. You're a true hero.

[@sheilahammond4260]

You showed a lot of foresight, providing sprays, and I respect your caution that day, on all the firefighters behalf. To me, to be honest, I thought it reckless to send so many men up into the unknown that day, but it's a dangerous job, and nobody knew what to expect. Had they been able to save hundreds of people that day, then I would have to have thought I was wrong! Anyone trying to get out must have been relieved to have seen the firefighters arriving, but as I believe that you pointed out, the stairwells were too narrow. We heard stories that they were already blocked with too many trying to get out. It was just so tragic.

[@Indigo00eyez]

I appreciate the clear and simple explanation of what happened to human bodies…pulverized. That really helps. Thank you for all you give!! ♥️🤍💙

[@jimmyboy131]

In the years since this happened I've seen videos that pointed out that the buildings were already pulverized before they collapsed. They said they were "dustified". Since then I've looked at the videos of the collapse for each building, and it looks like they were becoming clouds of dust (another way of saying pulverized) as they were falling. It's bizarre and to me defies solid explanation. I hope that made sense. I think videos might still be available on youtube.

[@anamiriamrodriguezcruz3824]

Chief Jim Martin explains 911 Infamous Day so clearly and how he stated "So many in the hierarchy died in the collapse..." My God, they were killed all at once. The firefighters and all that climbed up didn't have an inkling that the twin towers would collapse. I mean I don't understand how they went down from the top to the bottom. RIP all the innocent people and heroes. Thank you Chief Martin for explaining everything so down to 🌎. He is simply humble. I pray the Chief lives many years to enjoy his family and friends.

[@nunzioification]

The guy looks like an illustration from a classic children’s book and I mean that as a compliment.

[@mnkmnknyk7870]

😢😢😢

[@lorenat05]

❤️🇺🇸💙

[@JoeyOutlaw]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Tom68446]

Thank you for your services to America fighting to keep us safe! But with much respect the Military should have been brought in from the beginning! This was an act of war by terrorists not just a fire in the World Trade Center! This wasn't a car accident! In essence the Military should have cleaned up the mess not fireman and police or EMT'S either! Sorry you have had to suffer!