ABSTRACT
As the author traveled to Ground Zero, the security progressively tightened as she came closer to the site of the fallen towers. Environmental stressors at Ground Zero included: noise, extremes in temperature, fumes that include irritants, obscure vision from small particles of dust and large dust clouds, confined work spaces, and an unstable work environment. Physiological stressors included: sleep deprivation, dehydration, injury, fatigue and poor hygiene. Emotional stressors included: fear, anxiety, grief, anger, frustration, resentment, guilt, and spiritual conflict. Cognitive stressors included sensory overload, information overload, and unpredictability. Many of the workers the author came into contact with at Ground Zero welcomed an opportunity to express their feelings as long as they could still work at the same time. Since it was difficult to do both, the firefighters harbored many unresolved issues. Relief crews and supervisors recognized the need for a balance of work, self-care and rest, but the challenge was getting the firefighters to do it.
