The South Tower (Full Episode) | 9/11 One Day in America

Recent questions

• How did the narrator's experience during the 9/11 attacks influence their mental health?

  The narrator detailed the emotional toll of witnessing the 9/11 attacks, including contemplating drastic actions while driving over the Brooklyn Bridge. As a former emergency medical technician, they described the chaos and trauma experienced while responding to the attacks. The harrowing experience of being in the South Tower during the attacks, narrowly escaping a plane impact, and assisting injured individuals in evacuating the building all contributed to the long-lasting impact on their mental health. The challenges of processing traumatic experiences and making difficult decisions during the crisis further added to the narrator's struggle with the aftermath of the attacks.

• Who played a crucial role in guiding people to safety during the 9/11 attacks?

  Rick Roscola, a security head at the World Trade Center, played a crucial role in guiding people to safety during the 9/11 attacks. Despite initial skepticism, Rick's preparedness and focus on teaching people how to evacuate the building proved crucial when the building was on fire. His drills and emphasis on safety measures helped in ensuring that people knew how to navigate the building during the crisis, ultimately leading to successful evacuations and saving lives.

• What was the narrator's experience while being stuck on the 81st floor of the World Trade Center during the attacks?

  The narrator, stuck on the 81st floor of the World Trade Center during the attacks, led a group down the stairs while debating whether to go up or down. Eventually deciding to descend, they recalled a moment of desperation and hope as they cried out for help. The speaker's eventual rescue by a stranger with a flashlight highlighted the intense and challenging experience of being trapped in the building and the relief of being saved in such dire circumstances.

• How did the narrator's encounter with a severely injured woman impact them during the 9/11 response?

  The narrator recounted a poignant encounter with a severely injured woman during the 9/11 response, reflecting on the internal struggle faced in providing care during the crisis. This emotional moment showcased the challenges and overwhelming emotions experienced while triaging injured individuals and witnessing the devastation caused by the attacks. The encounter with the injured woman likely left a lasting impact on the narrator, contributing to the complex emotional journey of saving lives and grappling with the trauma of the day.

• What was the speaker's experience after emerging from the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks?

  After emerging from the World Trade Center, the speaker felt relief and witnessed the chaos and triage efforts outside. The speaker reflected on the impact of the day, including encounters with survivors and the emotional journey of saving lives and being saved. The experience of surviving the attacks, reuniting with their family, and witnessing the aftermath of the devastation further solidified the profound impact of the 9/11 attacks on the speaker's life and perspective.