I was sitting in the study lounge in between morning lectures on September 11, 2001. Knee-deep in my second year of medical school, I could clearly remember dreading going back into the lecture hall to hear another stimulating hour on Aspergillosis. Then, Wolf Blitzer or Anderson Russell or some other CNN anchor, broke in with terrible news. Two planes had crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center. Later that day, we learned of the news that another plane had struck The Pentagon while yet another crashed on its way to Washington. I remember my disbelief and strong desire to help.

The Emergency Departments of the United States of America stand on the frontlines in the event of a disaster. Emergency Physicians were integral to the disaster response following the tragedies of September 11th, an emergency physician helped diagnose the first case of Anthrax in October of that year, and emergency specialists were paramount to medical recovery from the hurricanes of 2005. After most mass-casualty events, emergency departments are crowded with everyone from the critically wounded to the walking-well. The opportunities to be a hero abound. It's just a matter of finding out how to lend a helping hand.

In the fall of 2001, I wanted desperately to help the fallen in New York City, but I barely knew which end of the stethoscope goes in your ears. I've worked since then to learn what I can about disaster response. Emergency Medicine and Surgery are arguably the two best specialties for someone interested in disaster response and recovery. Both specialties are trained in trauma, shock, crush injuries, and burns which are all commonly seen after a disaster.

As an emergency physician, we receive specialized training in weapons of mass destruction. We know how to treat a patient exposed to either Anthrax or Sarin Gas. We learn the basics about Hazmat Decontamination, Toxicology, Critical Care, and Ballistics. If an emergency physician wants to expand upon this training, the opportunities are also limitless.

Last month I experienced a training course that expanded my knowledge of emergency medicine tremendously. I was sent to Ocala, Florida, for a once yearly FEMA Medical Team Training. As a Medical Manager for Ohio Task Force 1, I was afforded the opportunity to learn disaster response from the experts that responded to the Oklahoma City Bombing, the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and Hurricane Katrina. The course was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a part of the National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Response System. Ohio Task Force 1 is Ohio's US&R team.

During my week of specialized training, we learned the nuances in treating bioterrorism agents such as Anthrax, Small Pox, or Plague. We learned the presenting signs and symptoms of exposures to VX, Sarin, and Mustard Gas. We learned how to treat a victim with a crush injury while the victim is still pinned in the rubble. I felt this experience truly expanded my scope as an emergency physician. After all, where else can you practice airways skills while suspended in a tunnel! I have included some photos from this training session. Our team was composed of physicians and paramedics from California to Nebraska to Brooklyn, NY. Ideas were shared and teamwork was achieved, all with the common goal of protecting our homeland.

If you want the training to respond to a disaster...the opportunity to be a hero...consider a career in emergency medicine. If emergency medicine doesn't interest you, consider joining your local DMAT, US&R, or FEMA teams. Opportunities exist for medics, nurses, physicians, firefighters, policemen, and veterinarians (we were trained to resuscitate the canine members of our team while in Florida!). I pray to never see another terrorist attack on U.S. soil, but like most emergency physicians, I hope for the best but prepare for the worst.