Book Update

I am pleased with the reaction and feedback to my book, The Downwind Walk.  I am very pleased that EMTs, medics, veterans and the public have been so positive about my book and learning the inside story.  I am contemplating having the book on CD for those who commute can listen to the book on the train or bus.

I am pleased that many EMS Providers have commented that this is the only EMS book about 9/11.  I would appreciate your positive feedback on this blog and on Authorhouse.com where the book is a available.

Purchase The Downwind Walk, the only 9/11 book from the EMS perspective

The Downwind walk is now available on-line at Authorhouse Publications.

Lt. Kanaran’s book tells the EMS story of 9/11 from the perspective of an EMS lieutenant who responded as a urban search and rescue medic. The book contains never before published photos and interviews with significant responders of 9/11.  This book is important in preserving the EMS role in September 11, 2001 as the years pass.  This book should be read  EMT and paramedic students who want to know how to survive a terrorist attack.  This book is also an essential first hand account of 9/11 for use in and Homeland Security Degree Programs.  By reading this book you will gain a first hand account of 9/11 from Ground Zero from eye level.

This book gives you a behind the scenes view of Ground Zero and the after effects from Lt. Kanarian’s view, in his dusty boots.

http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000452690/The–Downwind-Walk.aspx

EMS1.com article “What I Found Among The Rubble.”

EMS1.com asked me to write an article for the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.  Take a minute and read the article and see the stores they collected for 9/11.

http://www.ems1.com/ems-heroes/articles/1120378-September-11-2001-from-the-EMS-perspective/

NEW BOOK! The Downwind Walk: A USAR Paramedics Experiences After the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001

With less than one month left before the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001 I am pleased to be publishing my book, The Downwind Walk: A USAR Paramedics Experiences after the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001.

I will announce on this site when it is available.  I plan on giving half off to subscribers of this blog.

I was working as a EMS supervisor and paramedic on the day the World Trade Center was attacked.  During the rescue efforts I was working hard and did not get any information from the media.  Part of my coping with the stress from 9/11 is finding out more information.  I plan to make a post or two a month and invite readers to comment on the topics and share their experiences.  I reserve the right to print in a blog, article, book or electronic media stories posted on this blog.  I also retain all copyrights to material I post on this site.

I am completing a book entitled, “The Downwind Walk: A paramedics experiences on 9/11.” Please subscribe to be included in my mailing list for the book and this blog.

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Look forward to your comments in the coming month.

SK

The American Flag

"Red White and Blue" Photo by Jason Hums and Sonja Cajellas

I was somewhat disappointed not to see more flags displayed on July 4th this year.  This year is the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001.  I would have expected to see more flags up. In my neighborhood I saw my flag and one other on my block.

On September 11th I responded to the World Trade Center and worked hard to rescue people lost in the collapse of the Twin Towers.  I had been a at many serious jobs in New York City but had never seen the American Flag displayed at a scene.  When i looked up and saw the flag I was deeply moved.  Upon returning home I was impressed to see  a flag on every house in my neighborhood.

I would ask you to display your flag on September 11, 2011 and through the night to show respect for those lost on 9/11 and support for the rescuers who worked through the night to rescue lost victims.

This photo was taken by paramedic Jason Hums.

Please remember a flag left out at night has to be lighted.  I would appreciate your support and remembrance.

Safety Rules to Live By and Stay Alive By

Through the years I have used these rules and applied them to incidents in the news and professional journals. I have found these rules to stand up to scrutiny and would like to share them with you so you may stay safe and share them with your students and co-workers.

• Upwind for fumes; upgrade for fluid hazards
• Staging distance 1,500 feet for explosives
• No radio transmissions for bombs or suspicious packages
• Rule of Thumb – If you can’t cover the scene with your thumb, you’re too close
  • Partially devastated buildings – beware of 2nd bomb
  • Stage 2-3 times the height of the building to be outside the collapse zone
  • Reassess your safety frequently
  • Look for secondary attack/event
  • Think of public safety personnel as a Target
  • May want to delegate lookout

Use Time, Distance and Shielding to stay alive !

Lessons Learned from September 11, 2001, Mass Casualty Management

As the 10th Anniversary of September 11, 2001 nears we must ask ourselves, “What can we learn from this disaster?”   From a  Mass Casualty Incident perspective we can learn that we must always evaluate safety and expect the next evolution in the unfolding disaster or Terrorist Attack.  B y continually re-evaluating the scene we watch for the outward signs of terrorism and hazards that threaten public safety personnel. 

I am posting my lecture on MCI management and Terrorism for EMS.  Feel free to share the lecture document and use it in CME.  I have included the SAFETY FIRST 5 Ts method of MCI management that works.  SAFETY FIRST 5 Ts is a great system for high performance t mass casualty incidents (MCIs).  Feel free to post your question sin the comments area.